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Hiotographic 

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D 


D 
D 


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Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqui  ci-deaaoua. 

10X  14X  1IX  22X 


28X 


XX 


y 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


2IX 


32X 


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The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^>  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparattra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  le 
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symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


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different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
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beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmfo  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reprodult  en  un  seul  ciichA,  11  est  film6  A  partir 
de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  it  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nicesssire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m6thode. 


1 

2 

3 

t 

2 

3 

4      . 

5 

6 

^»rm' 


■MEd 


.!*»>,.,<  ;    ^i'l  -fjgfe,:      i 


s|. 


I'   *-^^ 


^•>v 


m 


m: 


LONTKNTH. 


Page 
XntftMliieiioii  ......^,.^..........^......«....»..— ...«.,,  2 

The  Jooraey...... ^ 3 

City  of  Arrant . ^. V 

SehlosMr - w.*—,... 15  ^ 

ViUige of  Nnilikfm Fatten.... V 

SmniliiBiillMrie  to  ^.Mti...........^..... U 

Tlli  Ilil«tii(^^^.......>4.^.... -... 2- 

Navy  iiriliiMi......w - .-..-... a 

Chippaiira  ..— i.— — .- •>..-» — ...^ ^ 2f 

Cily  Of  the  Falls .,-.*..—  .-*-...— ^ -^.,....  3' 

Ni&jgara .......<«• S 

Tlse  Falls  of  Niagara..;. ..« 3! 

Prospect  Point............ — .............  4 

Bridge  and  fttaode .^....^......».........::....«..^...  4* 

BIopementcttiB at  the  Falls. .....:..... ...V.»— >««••— .<*  4 

Bath  Island...... .i.^. .—....-......:.-.  6 

Iris  Island.......... 

Horse-shoe  Fail......*. .......^...rf.. 

\^OvO   vl     Kite     ▼V|n09A«»wB»d>»«^«ibM|^««l»*  «**••*«•««»•*•••»«»««  »«•«*«« 

American  Sheet  of  Water ..««...«. •i.....~w...*....^4.... 

Island..........  ..^M:^j^7i..«^«...............i,^..«... 

Graves.... . . ^^.. ....gj:.. ....;.^i.j|itr ...•....»*  71 

la  SlQe...'..^a^«..«...a«.....'.....i^..*....M^..<».     #s» 

Table  Rock...w.........l ^^ ........  .....X,^  p 

^vicinity  of  the  Falls..... .^i.....^..*.... .  8l 

IrW  ....  ....  ....  ....  ....  .M^.  .«P.. ..........      WH> 

rioge.........<>.4>.. .*...*.... -•.<>ik^»^..« ...«  cHi 

^hirlti0M>l_..........^'..^i'M.<b.^.^.^«*...4S'&^.]^iii«^.^.«  ^ 

t«re  of  Bloody  Run. ....  ..^. .w..  .... ..<^ ^'..  .a^ 

.  .    . .       •..  ."         '• '        ' " '  ".  •'        •••■'.,      .^  .^ 

r%aDM^a  legendkiij£«.*ac^^i;.ii  ^r............»........t01 

».«».  ....  a*..#  ...*  ....  ......^.  .......  ...^  ...^Xl^ 


iiiii»>iiii  I  ummtrnttmimimffiil'ttllmmmit 


r 


..^ 


Page 


...8  / 

a/ V 

...^ 

IS 


t7 
ii 


....  4 


•••••^•« 


If——*—* 


.«.*  71 

..«  781 


.,.. 82] 

..........toi 


'II I|" 


>*• 


*      f 


\ 


/ 


1  ■**•       .>-■-'• 


MAP  or  nuoaha 


LLS, 


▲NO 


3e 


BEING  A  COMPLETE  GUIDE  TO  THE  FALLS  AND  VICINITY,  FOR  REMARK  ON  THE  SPOT,  OR  FOR  REFERENCE  AT  HOJ 


DIRECTIONS    TO    HASTY    TRAVELERS. 


IM.    8l«rt  from  tho  Hoti-Iii,  Main  8i»et,  Niniiira  Full*  ViHnjfo— :{o  went  to  Priwpoct  Tine*  Waro'i  OWrvatory  and  Point  View  ;  ruto  on  the  Kriie  I  return  eiitcrly  aloni;  the  rirer  to  \hr  bridg*    giw  • 

the  Britlge  to  Iri«  lalnnd— riiw  tm  hill— take  tliu  rowl  to  tlie  ri)r|it— nt  lliis  point  ol'  tin  Iiilunil  look  nmiiiid  t — |)am  to  the  Blildlo  Staim^tlicDct  to  the  Troupcct  Tower,  and  wrounJ  the  liUod. 
ftl.    At  more  luliure  waU  along  theJiKli  '•■ii'k  "I  tho  rivor,  or  rl.lu  t<i  lliu  Wliirlr«>oI,  and  riiit  oilier  |ilacf»  of  notoriety. 


References  to  the  Map. 


OR  TBI  OAaaDA  aiDI, 


1.  Ooneert  Uouae. 

\  Col.  Clark's  old  place. 

1.  Where  the  Episcopal  Church 

Htood.    Burnt  by  iucondi- 

aries. 
4.  Site  of  Bridgewater  Village. 
i.  Chippewa  Battle  Ground. 

(i.  Carriage  road  down  the  bank. 
T.  Ferry  and  Guard  House. 

"  Taati  Bock.     Visitors  de- 

•     sccnd  here  to  go  under  the 

sheet  of  water,  or  to  what 

is  called  Termination  Rock 

"  CurToif  House,  on  the  brow 
of  the  hill,  where  tho  rood 
rises  from  the  funy. 


Distonce  frem 

Ferry, 

C.W. 

To  Clifton  Uouse, 

106  rods. 

"  Table  Rock. 

i  mile 

"    Burning  Spring. 

1    •• 

"  Bender's  Cave. 

1    ■• 

"  Lnndy's  Lane  Battle 

Ground. 

1    " 

"  CbippewaBattleO'dS    " 

"  Whirlpool, 

4    " 

"  Stamford, 

4    " 

"  If onnt  Dorchester 

5    " 

••  St.  Davids 

6    " 

"*  Brock's  Mftnument,  8    " 

"   Qneonaton, 

8    " 

"   Fort.  Oeoiige  and  Ni- 

agara, 

14    " 

"  St.  Catberines, 

19    " 

"  Wat»rk«  Ferry, 

14    " 

"  Port  Erie, 

16    " 

«  City  of  Toronto, 

50    " 

MAP  OF 

NIAGARA  FALLS, 


ADJOINING   SHORES. 


15 


RefereieestotheMip. 


A.  CaUrart  Hotel 

B.  Eagle  Hotel. 
0.  Exchange  Hotel. 
D.  PostOffieo. 

K.  Kathliiim's  largo  Foundation. 

F.  Lock  port  and  Niagara  Falla 

Kail  Road  Office. 

0.  Buffalo  and  Niagara  Fall* 

Bail  Road  Office. 
H.  Ferry  *  Ware's  Obaerratory 

1.  )Vint  View  tlie  spot  where 

Francis  Abbot  lired. 

i.  Where  Alexander  want  off 
the  Bank. 

E-Prepoaed  road  down  th* 
Bank. 

L.  Old  IndUa  LaddCT. 

M.  C^pin'a  IsUnd. 

N.  Robinson's  Ishnd. 

0.  Prospect  Island. 

P.  Q.  Sloop  and  Bay  lalandai 

R.  Prospect  Tower  and  Teria- 
pin  Rocka. 

8.  Road,  washed  away. 

V.  Crescent  or  Centre  Fall,  un- 
der which  ia  lograham'a 
Care. 

Y.  Paper  Mill 

Z.  Presbytorian  Chureb. 


DistinceBfirom 
Ameriean  Hotels,  U.S. 


To 


and  Iris  laUnd 
Iridge,  40 1 

"  Ferry  4  Ware'a  Ob- ' 
servatory.        .  100 
"  Ferry  Landing.      13S 
*   Horse  Shoe   Falls, 
crosbing  bridge  4 
Island,  i  I 

"  Walk  round  the  Is- 
land. 11 
"   Point  Mew.  | 
"  Mineral  Spring,       9 
"   laspension  Bridge,  9 
"   Whirlpool.               9| 
"   DerU'sHole,           3} 
"  Toaearora  Ind'n  Til- 
hups,                   8 
"  Lewiston,               7 
"  Fort  Niagara,        14 
'«  LockportbyaR.,94 
■'   Sehloaser,  steamb't 

Landing.  3 

"  Tonawanda  A  Erie 

Canal.  11 

••  BuffidoCity.  93 


Q-BNBRAXi    RBFIIRIINOES. 


II.  Hone  Shoe  Fall,  about  700  yards  aronna,.  |58  feetblgh.  IG-^Amcrican  Fall,  ab^t  330 yards  around,  I64|^thigfa.  V. Crescent  FaUabont  33  yardaaiwDd  an<U£4 iMt  high.  Dcaemitf^ 
Chippewa  and  Schloaaer  to  the  Falls  estimated  at  90  fw*  Feny  below  Um  Falls,' is  56  ratt  wide  ;  passage  from  fire  to  ten  minutaa,  3,084,080.980  banela  of  water,  it  ia  eriKnat*!,  dewsend  the  Faft 
in  94  houra.  From  900  to  350  feet,  ia  the  avan4(e  height  of  the  banks  of  the  rircr  aMnd  the  Falla,  above  the  surface  of  the  watm  bebw.  a^Bridge  to  the  Islasdi^  puring  grer  tU  nfUft  V 
whan;BotiiasoadBMcnd«diotlMntpidatoB«TeCbap!n.    T1>eriTtriaatii<iileafromt]Jmi]%de«!eiida  19*  fMttoLewUton,li«nitik(iiceMT«nii^toU)MOBtario,9iMt. 


* 


l.t 


TO' 


-i'-i' 


BURKE'S 


DESCRIPTIVE   GUIDE; 


0B«  THB 


VISITORS'    COMPANION 


*  « ■ 


TO 


lAGARA    FALLS: 


ITS  * 


STRANGE  AND  WONDERFUL  lOCAlITIES. 


BY   AN    OLD    RESIDENT. 


(2>^y.^YCt^^'  /3^^.y; 


'/ 


Entered  according^  to  on  Act  of  CnnxretStb^ANDBRW  Burkr,  in  the  Clerk's  Office 
of  the  Diatrict  Cuort  of  the  United  BtMtes,  for  the  Northtsm  Diatrtct  of  New  York, 

in  the  year  I86(t. 


BUFFALO: 
ANDREW    BURKE, 

PUBLISHER,   BOOKSELLER  AND   STATIONER, 

Mansion  House  Block. 

1852. 


W. 


a     It')! 


'■! 


'■I    . 


■is 


;ffi 


m 


<^^z 


^■ 


m 


m- 


k....  ^  . 


PREFACE. 


The  peculiar  office  of  a  guide,  is  to  point  out 
spots  of  interest,  and  relate  what  is  interesting 
about  them.  This  we  have  endeavored  to  accom- 
plish in  the  following  pages  ;  leaving  as  much  as 
possible  to  the  mind  and  taste  of  the  stranger  who 
visits,  that  he  may  see  and  understand.  We  have 
refrained  altogether  from  any  poetic  distraction,  so 
often  indulged  in  by  more  fanciful  guides. 

Our  office  has  been  a  grand  one,  but  we  have 
endeavored  to  fill  it  with  tliat  simplicity  and  mo- 
desty, so  much  more  becoming  in  view  of  the  awful 
grandeur  of  the  scenes,  we  humbly  lead  to.  Our 
only  hope  being  that  we  have  given  satisfaction. 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 

TO  . 

NIAGARA    FALLS. 


THE    JOURNEY. 

Stranger — if  you  are  now  ready,  we  will 
proceed  to  the  Office  of  the  Buffalo  and  Niagara 
Falls  Railroad  Depot,  on  the  Terrace,  immediately 
under  the  Western  Hotel,  and  procure  tickets.  It 
is  now  nearly  9  o'clock  and  almost  time  to  be  aboard 
the  Cars.  They  go  out  at  9  a.  m.,  and  6  p.  m. — 
Look  sharp,  the  bell  rings,  and  here  goes 


■' 


THE     TRAIN. 


The  road  has  been  very  recently  re-laid  "witli 
the  T  rail,  and  the  speed  is  now  equal  to  anything 

1* 


il'^ 


.!, 


DBSORIPTIVB   GUIDES 


The  Cars— BlosBom's  Grove — Workhouse— Mr.  Coe's  reflidence. 


in  the  United  States.    Very  pleasant  cars,  careful 
'  engineers,  and  the  most  affable  conductor  to  be 
found  between  this  and  the  unknown  regions  about 
||e  North  Pole. 

We  are  moving — quicker  and  quicker ;  ah,  there 
we  go.  See  how  the  houses  flit  by  us!  What 
should  we  do,  were  it  not  for  Railroads  ?  Won- 
derful creature  is  man.  Is'nt  he.  Mamma  ?  We 
are  now  flying  through  Sixth-street,  and  now  we 
are  out  of  town.  You  see  that  picturesque  grove 
on  the  left — that  is  Blossom's  Grove  ;  and  that 
large  brick  building,  with  the  dark  wing  of  blue 
stone,  having  its  windows  thickly  barred  with  iron, 
is  the  Workhouse,  a  structure  not  more  than 
two  years  old,  yet  it  could  tell  full  many  a  tale  of 
crime ;  for,  its  young  walls  are  darkly  experienced 
in  the  wickedness  of  Adam's  sons  and  daughters. 
A  short  time  since  it  took  fire,  or  rather  was  set  on 
fire,  and  the  roof  and  upper  part  were  considerably 
burnt  Yet  the  terrified  inmates  did  not  dare  to 
escape.  We  are  now  running  up  hilL  That  Man- 
sion of  cut  stone,  with  the  rich  Grecian  portico, 
which  you  see  on  the  right  is  Mr.  Coe's,  a  citizen 
of  wealth  and  repute.  And  on  the  left,  that  Gothic 
castle  is  the  property  of  the  United  States  Govern- 
ment, and  is  used  for  a  Military  Engineer's  Office, 


^ 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


Fort— View  of  Buf&lo,  &c. — Hawley  houie. 


' 


^' 


and  residence  of  the  Lieutenant's  family.  This 
castle  or  castellated  mansion  was  erected  by  Colo- 
nel James  McKay,  a  citizen  of  taste  and  spirit,  and 
was  purchased  from  him  by  the  government,  for 
thirty  thousand  dollars.  On  part  of  the  land  they 
have  erected  a  redoubt  or  fort,  which  you  may  see 
adjoining  it.  -  • 

This  fort  is  admirably  planned  in  the  form  of  a 
pentagon  or  figure  of  five  sides.  Its  walls  rise 
from  the  solid  rock,  and  are  seven  feet  thick,  of 
blue  lime  stone,  beautifully  wrought.  Its  roof  is 
arched  and  covered  with  gypsum,  and  sodded  with 
grass.  It  is  five  feet  thick  and  perfectly  bomb- 
proof. From  this  roof,  on  which  two  Paixan  guns 
are  to  be  placed,  is  a  magnificent  view  of  Buffalo, 
Lake  Erie,  the  Canada  shore,  and  the  river  Niagara 
to  the  very  Falls.  This  Fort  occupies  a  most  com- 
manding position  and  is  capable  of  sheltering  eight 
hundred  men,  for  whose  comfort  a  pure  spring  of 
water  swells  up  in  its  midst  from  the  solid  rock. 

That  tall  porticoed  stone  building  to  your  right 
is  called  Hawley  House.  It  was  built  by  Seth 
C.  Hawley,  Esq.,  at  a  time  when  speculation  was 
at  its  highest,  and  the  owner  intended  that  to  be 
one  wing  of  his  proposed  palace.  He  failed  — and 
there  it  stands  an  overgrown  tombstone  of  inten- 


^'•^  I 


H; 


6 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Erie  Canal — Black  Rock — Black  Rock  Dam. 


tions  too  mighty  to  outlive  the  rude  blasts  of 
adversity.  . 

The  Erie  Canal  here  runs  alongside  of  the  river 
Niagara,  from  which  it  is  only  divided  by  a  pier, 
which  forms  the  harbour  of  • 

BLACK    ROCK. 

This  place  was,  at  one  time,  the  rival  of  Buiialo, 
and  on  account  of  its  superior  accommodation  for 
shipping,  it  maintained  an  ascendency  for  some  time 
over  the  "  Queen  City  of  the  Lakes."  In  the  war 
of  1812,  Commodore  Perry  here  hid  his  vessels 
for  the  winter,  so  eftectually  that  the  British  knew 
nothing  of  their  dangerous  neighbour  until  he  sud- 
denly came  forth  from  his  shelter  and  pounced 
upon  them.  The  actual  spot  where  the  United 
States  ships  sheltered  is  below  what  is  called 

•    BLACK     ROCK     DAM. 

The  village  is  one  mile  in  length,  being  divided 
into  Upper  and  Lower  Black  Rock ;  the  latter  be- 
ing near  the  Dam  formed  by  a  pier  of  two  miles  in 
length  which  has  its  termination  on  Bird  Island, 
opposite  Buflfalo. 

This  village  contains  something  over  two  hundred 
houses,  and  about  one  thousand  inhabitants,  pre- 
senting at  present  but  a  poor  apology  for  its  former 


I 


)f 

'•H 

er 

■i 

1.- 

< 

T, 

il\ 

TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


Steam  Ferry — Upper  Black  Rock  to  Waterloo. 


pretensions.  There  are,  however,  several  mills  in 
operation,  and  sites  for  as  many  more.  But  the 
velocity  of  the  current  of  the  Niagara  and  dangers 
of  its  entrance,  on  account  of  hidden  reefs  of  rocks 
must  always  act  as  a  barrier  against  the  prosperity 
of  the  place. 

There  is  a  steam  ferry,  crosses  at  Upper  Black 
Rock  to  the  village  of  Waterloo,  on  the  opposite 
shores  of  Canada;  and  at  any  time  that  a  stranger 
wishes  to  ride  on  the  rapid  current  of  the  Niagara, 
or  to  cross  its  course,  he  can  here  readily  find 


:t  '.'1 


";t  ,.i' 


'i'i,';n 


?  m 


A    SAIL     BOAT. 


h  i  (--Ml 

:S   1 


.# 


■I 
I 


8 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Grand  Iilfind — Pendleton. 


TONAWANDA, 

E  now  approach  Tonawanda,  which 
is  twelve  miles  from  Buffalo.  It  is  sit- 
uated at  the  mouth  of  the  creek  of  the 
same  name,  joining  the  Niagara,  di- 
rectly opposite  the  widest  part  of 

GRAND     ISLAND. 

Here  the  Erie  Canal,  taking  advantage  of  this 
noble  creek,  leaves  the  river  and  follows  it  to  Pen- 
dleton, about  twelve  miles  distant  Here,  also,  the 
traveller  on  the  Amiefican  shore,  is  at  the  widest 
part  of.  the  Niagara  River  away  from  her  British 
Majesty's  dominions,  with  all  the  accompanying 
fancies  of  Thrones, 


CROWNS     AND     SCEPTRES. 

Tonawanda  lies  on  both  sides  of  the  creek ;  is 
a  pleasant  village,  containing  some  two  thousand 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


9 


The  Village— its  pretentions. 


inhabitants  and  derives  its  name  from  the  Indian 
of  swift  running  water y  which  term  is  rather  mys- 
terious, the  Creek  being  very  deep  and  sluggish. 

This  village  in  the  years  '48  and  *9,  also  put  up 
pretensions  to  cope  with  Buffalo.  The  Merchants 
of  Cleveland,  jealous  of  the  prosperity  of  the 
**  Queen  City,"  under  pretence  of  want  of  sufficient 
harbour  room,  came  boldly  out  and  published  a 
plan  to  make  Tonawanda  the  port  for  the  discharge 
of  Western  produce  intended  for  the  Eastern 
market.  They  soon  erected  elevators,  wharves, 
&c.,  but  without  any  apparent  disadvantage  to 
Buflfklo. 

There  is  here  a  dam  of  eighty-four  feet  in  width 
which,  at  the  same  time  that  it  benefits  the  Canal, 
produces  a  very  interesting  fall  or  cascade.  It  is 
crossed  by  a  long  wooden  bridge  on  which  the  rail 
road  to  Niagara  Falls  runs. 

The  lowness  of  Tonawanda,  and  sluggishness  of 
its  creek,  will  always  make  it  a  prosperous  place 
for  rheumatism  and  ague,  and  most  fit  for  a  specu- 
lation in 


[ 


\ 


<  ( 


';    5 


't  'i 


'  '  k$ 


BURIAL     GROUNDS. 


M 


10 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


White  Hnven — ^Arrarat. 


/ 


b» 


CITY  OF  ARRARAT. 

PPOSITE  to  Tonawanda,  on 
Grand  Island,  is  the  Kttle  hamlet  called 
White  Haven,  pleasantly  situated, 
which,  with  its  mills,  occupies  the  site 
of  the  proposed  >    , 

JEWISH     CITY     OP    ARRARAT. 

•  -    •  ' •  ■- .,        i''  .    ,  (  ■>         * 

In  the  year  1825,  the  well  known  Major  M.  M. 
Noah,  like  unto  his  namesake  of  yore,  took  it  into 
his  head  to  form  here  a  city,  where  all  the  Jews 
that  had  not  been  deluged  by  the  prevailing  waters 
of  Christianity,  might  assemble  and  dwell  together 
in  this  city  of  the  ark,  formed  not  of  tents,  but  of 
log  and  frame  houses. 

This  modem  N'oah  after  having  a  ginger-bread 
and  tinsel  display  in  Buffalo,  in  which  he  took  upon 
him  the  degrees  of  "  Proprietor,  Prince  and  Pa- 
triarch, Governor  and  Judge  of  Israel,"  previous 
to  the  laying  of  the  comer  stone,  which  took  place 
a  few  days  after  at  Grand  Island  (then  an  inter- 
minable forest)  but  which  corner  stone  remains 
unclaimed  and  unoccupied  by  the  wandering  Jews. 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


11 


Jewish  Monument — Grand  Island. 


There  is  a  Monument  to  be  seen,  however,  com- 
posed of  brick,  mortar  and  wood  on  which  are 
engraved  in  the  Hebrew  character  the  following 
words: 

ARRARAT. 

A   CITT   OF   REFUGE  FOR  THE  JEWS! 

Founded  by  Mordecai  M.  Noah ;  in  the  month 
Tizri,  5586, 
September,  1825,  in  the  56th  year  of  AmericoQ 
Independence. 

Grand  Island  has  many  cultivated  lots  scat- 
tered over  it ;  and  land  is  offered  by  the  proprietor 
at  very  reasonable  terms  to  induce  the  complete 
settlement  of  it  The  Island  abounds  in  game,  is 
watered  by  numerous  springs,  and  is  in  every  way 
adapted  to  agricultural  purposes.  It  is  constantly 
visited  by  that  peculiar  class  of  Buffalo  gentlemen, 
calling  themselves 


SPORTSMEN. 

2 


B- 


I'  ^ 

'  HI 


''t 


'■  'i'' 


, 


:    lit 


12 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Schlcisser  Lnmling — Navy  Island— Gratid  Island. 


SCHLOSSER. 


S--         ■ ia 


I N  E  miles  below  Tonawanda,  we  pass 
ScHLossER  Landing,  celebrated  as  the 
spot  where  the  steamer  Caroline  was 
cut  loose  by  English  militia,  one  night 
in  the  winter  of  1837,  during  the  rebellion  of 
Canada.  ^    i 

The  insurgents,  callmg  themselves  "Patriots,'* 
being  driven  from  their  purpose,  the  leaders  took 
up  their  stand  on  Navy  Island,  wluch  you  may  see 
there  separated  by  a  narrow  channel  from  Grand 
Island,  and  having  been  visited  by  great  numbers 
from  the  American  side,  through  curiosity,  the 
little  steamboat  Caroline,  of  Buffalo,  was  put  upon 


^Ui 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


13 


Feny  Boat  Caroline — Its  destruction  resolved  on. 


the  line  as  a  ferry  boat ;  a  speculation  which  proved 
very  lucrative  to  the  owner.  But  scarce  had  her 
tide  of  trade  began  when  she  was  reported  to 
Colonel  Sir  Allan  N.  McNab,  then  commanding  a 
force  of  nearly  three  thousand  men  at  Chippewa, 
as  a  craft  whose  employment  was  conveying  aid 
and  comfort  to  the  "  Patriots  "  on  Navy  Island. 

Acting  under  that  impression,  this  British  Com- 
mander resolved  on  the  destruction  of  the  Caro- 
line and  detailed  a  chosen  gang.  Accordingly  to 
carry  out  his  plans,  this  gallant  expedition  was 
placed  under  the  conduct  of  a  half-pay  Captain  of 
the  Royal  TNavy.  At  the  solemn  hour  of  midnight 
Col.  McNab  reviewed  the  expedition  which  imme- 
diately after  departed  on  its  fiendish  mission  in 
eight  boats.        —  *  • 

ScHLOssER  was  then,  as  it  is  still,  a  place  where 
no  accommodation  was  to  be  had.  What  was  called 
a  tavern,  was  but  a  miserable  excuse  for  that  ne- 
cessary institution,  and  as  a  matter  of  course 
numbers  filled  the  sleeping  places  of  the  Caroline. 
She  was  moored  there  at  the  wharf.  There  were 
no  offensive  or  defensive  weapons  on  board.  She 
was  floating  under  her  national  colors  in  her  own 
legitimate  waters.  Midnight  came,  and  the  solitary 
watchman  on  the  deck  was  totally  unaware  of  the 


J 


m 


m 

'<■  ,>,*  ■''i 


If 


M 


7, 
'  ll 
I 
( 
'li 


'I. 


:i 


■    ) 


14 


DESCIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Deitniction  of  the  Caroline. 


danger  that  awaited  the  craft.  When  suddenly 
he  hears  the  plash  of  oars  and  the  rippling  at  the 
bows  of  approaching  boats.  In  answer  to  the 
sentry's  challenge  of  "Who  goes  there?" — 
"  Friends,"  was  the  reply,  and  in  another  instant 
the  deck  was  alive  with  armed  men.  The  scene 
that  ensued  was  frightful.  The  dismayed  sleepers 
rushed  upon  deck.  There  was  a  violent  struggle 
between  life  and  death — fire  arms  were  freely  used 
by  the  British ;  and,  amid  the  cries  of  "  Cut  them 
down!  give  no  quarter!"  Half  dressed  men  were 
seen  to  spring  upon  the  wharf  through  showers  of 
blows  aimed  at  their  life.  The  last  man  that  ap- 
peared upon  deck,  was  poor  Durfee.  He  stood 
awhile  attempting  to  ward  off  the  thrusts  made 
at  him,  and  at  last  succeeded  in  jumping  on  shore. 
But  a  too  well  aimed  pistol  shot  laid  the  poor  fel- 
low dead  upon  the  wharf. 

Having  accomplished  so  much  of  their  errand, 
these  gallant  invaders  cut  the  Caroline  loose  from 
her  moorings,  and,  having  got  all  their  precious 
band  into  the  boats,  they  pulled  back  to  Her  Ma- 
jesty's dominions,  while  the  devoted  little  steamer 
floated  into  the  wild  current  of  the  Niagara,  enve- 
loped in  flames,  which  lit  up  the  awful  darkness  of 
the  night  amid  the  brutal  triumph  of  her  destroyers. 


# 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


15 


The  Caroline  on  Are. 


Swifter  and  swifter  still  she  goes  on  >>^  eternal 
voyage.  She  rides  the  rapids.  Thb  raging  ele- 
ments of  fire  and  water  battle  fiercely  for  their 
own.  She  reaches  the  awful  precipice.  As  the 
dying  embers  light  more  brightly  when  about  to 
expire.  So  the  doomed  Caroline  enwrapt  in  flame 
that  flies  to  Heaven  for  vengeance,  Ufted  her  form 
to  the  cataracts  breast,  and  plunged  amid  the 
hissing  roar  of  that  mysterious  fall  into  annihila- 
tion! /  '■'■■" 


\.:.      \ 


'•£.'. :(. 


-<;;•%  v-tii,-. 


2* 


1  • 


;  i 


' '    I 


16 


DESCRIPTIVB   GUIDE 


rinnkroftil— Chipi)«w»— Fort  SchJoaftr. 


HERE  is  now  a  plank  road  from 
Sclilosser  Landing  to  Niagara  Falls 
Village,  Avhich  •will  render  the  river 
tiip  very  pleasant,  as  it  is  but  two 
miles  from  this  landing  to  the  Falls. 

Chippewa,  on  the  Canada  side,  is  the  last  place 
that  is  navigable  with  safety  on  the  Niagara  River 
which  even  here  is  fearfully  rapid. 

The  Tonawanda  and  Chippewa  Creeks  are  the 
only  auxilliaries  to  the  Niagara 

Fort  Schlosser  is  the  next  point  of  any  interest 
we  pass.  This  primitive  fortification,  never  of  any 
great  appearance,  was  erected  during  the  French 
war,  and  has  now  yielded  its  warlike  features  to 
the  simple  smiles  of  husbandry.  It  stood  upon  a 
gentle  elevation  between  the  present  road  and  the 
river.  This  place  is  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the 
Falls,  the  thunders  of  which  may  be  distinctly 
.  heard  now  over  the  noise  of  the  rushing  Railroad 
Train. 

There  is  Iris  Island,  which  stands  in  all  its 
summer  bloom  and  winter  purity  of  whiteness  di- 


TO   NIAGARA    FALLS. 


17 


Village  of  NUfrftra  FHlIt— Railroad  to  Lonkport. 


viding  the  tumbling  waters  as  they  madly  seek 
their  gallant  leap!  We  have  accomplished  our 
journoy.  The  steam  whistle  screeches  and — hi — 
presto!     We  enter 

THE  VILLAGE  OF  NIAGARA  FALLS. 


HIS  remarkable  place  was  laid  out 
in  lots  by  the  late  Judge  Porter,  to 
whom  nearly  the  entire  property,  in- 
cluding the  picturesque  islands  at  the 


-f^Mj^JI 

IH 

«!■■   . 

cataract,  as  well  as  adjacent  to  it,  belong-s. 

It  is  laid  out  with  skill  and  judgment,  and  there 
is  little  doubt  it  will  yet  swell  into  a  fine  manufac- 
turing town,  if  not  a  city.  Some  brick  and  stone 
blocks  have  been  put  up  within  a  year.  An  Epis- 
copalian and  a  Presbyterian  Church  have  also 
been  erected,  as  also  a  Roman  Catholic  Church  of 
stone.  The  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Sons  of  Tem- 
perance have  gorgeous  halls  on  the  main  street 
Both  orders  are  in  a  very  flourishing  state. 

This  is  the  main  street  through  which  we  are 
now  steaming.  It  crosses  our  track  at  right  angles 
and  that  line  of  rail  which  you  observe  runs 
through  the  middle  of  it,  is  the  Railroad  to  Lock- 
port)  on  the  Erie  Canal,  about  24  miles  from  this. 


1  r 


18 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


PUcea  of  AmuBement— Newspaper — Telegraph. 


The  village  presents  many  places  of  amusement, 
such  as  Billiard  Rooms,  Bowling  Alleys,  a  Public 
Garden,  and  is  also  possessed  of  a  smart  little 
Weekly  Newspaper  called  "  The  Iris  of  Niagara," 
published  by  G.  W.  Hackstaff,  an  English  gen- 
tleman, who  formerly  published  in  Canada  an 
independent  journal,  thoroughly  advocating  liberal  ' 
principles,  entitled  "  The  London  Enquirer." 

The  Telegraphic  wires  operate  here  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  Canada  Line.  So  that,  should  any 
information  be  required,  or  any  message  sent,  the 
anxious  parties  will  not  have  to  wait  upon  the 
break-neck-speed  of  that  nimrod  invention  which 
killed  horses,  bruised  post  boys,  and  too  often  foiled 
to  prove,  with  any  shade  of  decency,  its  right  to 
the  title  of 


THE     EXPRESS. 


^.1 


•V 


* 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


19 


Emerald  Steamboat. 


STEAMBOAT  ROUTE  TO  THE  FALLS. 

S  it  is  to  the  interest  of  the  sight- 
seer to  be  put  in  possession  of  that 
knowledge  which  will  enable  him  to 
choose  his  own  course,  and  receive 
as  much  of  the  information,  he  came,  perhaps,  from 
a  great  distance  to  gather.  We  feel  our  duty  now 
as  a  good  and  faithful  guide,  and  worthy  of  all  re- 
pute, to  call  the  attention  of  our  reader  to  the 
Falls  by  the 


STEAMBOAT. 


The  little  craft  Emerald  starts  from  Buffalo 
every  day  at  9  o'clock ;  and,  as  she  very  soon  gets 
into  the  current  of  the  Niagara,  you  find  yourself 
gliding  away,  as  in  a  fairy  dream,  on  the  bosom  of 


i 


(i 

if 


i? 


1,  < 
ji  ! 

i'i  I 


20 


DESCIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Canada. 


those  very  waters  which  soon  will  take  that  leap 
which,  rather  than  take,  you  would  submit  to  be 


SHOT     AT. 


Hark!  The  last  bell  rings ;  "  All  aboard  there  1" 
"  In  with  the  plank.**  Plash  go  the  paddles. — 
She  is  under  way ! 


I 


Look  towards  the  bow  and  you  see  the  green 
wooded  shores  of  Canada.     Look  to  the  left  and 


'II  ' 


b  leap 
)  be 


lere !" 
les. — 


rreen 
and 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


21 


"  Queen  City  of  the  Lakes  "—Fort  Erie. 


you  see  that  you  are  just  passing  the  pier  and  light- 
house of  Buffalo— and  now  look  to  the  rioht  and 
you  see  the  "  Queen  City  of  the  Lakes,"  with  her 
many  churches  a-sphing  towards  Heaven,  but 
sticking  to  earth  with  the  tenacity  of  stones  and 
mortar. 

Buffalo  has  sprung  from  the  very  womb  of  ne- 
cessity. The  position  she  holds  is  impregnable  to 
the  assaults  of  rivalry.  She  must  grow,  and 
growing,  she  must  expand  ultimately  to  the  size 
of  a  first  rate  city,  blessed  with  commerce,  and  en- 
dowed with  capital. 

There  on  the  left,  on  the  Canada  shore,  which 
we  are  nearing,  stand  the  ruins  of  Fort  Erie.  It 
IS  directly  opposite  to  Buffalo,  and  still  retains  the 
remains  of  its  former  strength,  having  the  credit, 
even  in  these  days,  amongst  military  engineers  of 
being  admirably  planned  and  soundly  executed. — 
It  was  erected  by  the  French  about  a  century  ago, 
and  was  the  scene  of  some  glorious  exploits  during 
the  border  wars  of  1812  to  1814,  being  captured 
during  the  latter  year  by  Major  General  Brown, 
taking  its  commandant,  Major  Buck,  with  one 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  men  prisoners  of  war. — 
The  American  general  after  the  affair  of  Fort 
George  and  the  battle  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara, 


Hi  .    .( 


i'  ii 


t 


22 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


The  Red  Mill— Waterloo. 


here  sustained  a  siege  which  ended  in  the  retiring 
of  the  British,  the  abandonment  and  destruction 
of  the  Foiii  by  the  Americans. 

As  the  steamer  moves  along  the  Canada  shore, 
may  be  seen  The  Red  3fill,  directly  opposite  to 
which  point  the  explosion  of  the  boiler  of  the 
steamer  Troy  occurred,  March  the  23rd,  1850,  at 
half-past  2  o'clock,  p.  m.  This  ill-fated  '  <?sel  had 
just  arrived  from  Sandusky,  and  had  m  vain  at- 
tempted to  enter  the  port  of  Buffalo,  upon  finding 
it  impossible  to  clear  the  ice  there,  she  steered  for 
Black  Rock,  determining  to  land  her  passengers  at 
the  Pier.  When  she  had  reached  this  point,  the 
boiler  burst  with  a  terrific  report^  and  the  unman- 
ageable wreck  floated  down  the  river  to  Black 
Rock,  where  she  was  secured  to  the  wharf.  By 
this  sad  event,  thirteen  lives  were  instantly  lost,  a 
number  blown  overboard,  and  after  a  struggle, 
drowned.  Many  were  very  badly  wounded,  some 
of  whom  died  in  a  few  days  after. 

WATERLOO.  I 

We  are  now  passing  the  little  village,  which  is 
distant  a  little  more  than  a  mile  and  a  half  from 
Fort  Erie.  It  has  about  fifty  houses  and  a  little 
over  three   hundred  inhabitants.     Any    person 


Mi 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


23 


retiring 
ruction 

I  shore, 
)site  to 

of  the 
850,  at 
el  had 
ain  at- 
finding 
red  for 
gers  at 
nt,  the 
minan- 

Black 
f.  By 
lost,  a 
•uggle, 
,  some 


lich  is 
■  from 
t  little 
person 


Steam  Ferry — Chippewa. 


wishing  to  visit  Fort  Erie,  or  to  proceed  to  the 
Falls  from  this  point,  can  at  all  times  find  convey- 
ances at  moderate  rates. 

There  is  a  steam  ferry  which  plies  between  this 
point  and  Black  Rock  on  the  opposite  shore. 

This  and  Chippewa  are  the  only  two  villages 
along  the  Canada  shore,  although  the  Welland 
Cana^' "^  within  reach.  There  appears  to  be  no 
progressive  spirit  here.  Waterloo  presents  the 
same  wooden  aspect  now,  that  it  did  some  twenty 
years  ago.  But,  should  annexation  ever  take  place, 
this  is  bound  to  be  a  flourishing  town. 


i 


I 


1 

1 

'■ 

■  '' 

1 

I 


24 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Grand  Island— Niagara  River. 


THE    ISLANDS. 

See  as  we  glide  along,  how  rudely  beautiful 
Grand  Island  looks.  We  are  now  about  half  way 
past  it.  Here  is  the  river  Niagara's  broadest  part, 
which  is  eight  miles  from  the  Canada  shore  to  the 
American,  at  Tonawanda.  The  two  channels  of 
the  river,  formed  by  the  intervention  of  Grand 
Island  are  about  three  quarters,  or  a  mile  broad. 

It  is  strange  how  this  extraordinary  river,  varies 
both  in  its  breadth  and  depth.  Where  we  are  now 
sailing  looks  calm  and  beautiful."  Here  opposite 
ScHLossER,  the  Niagara  is  three  miles  wide.  A 
little  farther  down  it  narrows  its  course  to  three 
quarters  of  a  mile,  and  becomes  impetuous  in  its 
progress,  a  little  farther  down  it  expands  again  to 
a  mile  and  a  half.  At  the  Falls  it  is  aaain  three 
quarters  of  a  mile  wide.  At  the  Whirlpool  be- 
low the  Falls,  the  river  is  but  one  hundred  and 
forty-five  yards  in  breadth. 

It  is  still  more  unequal  in  its  depth.  In  some 
places  it  is  not  quite  fourteen  feet,  while  in  others 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


25 


Sudden  Falls— Buckhom  and  Navy  Island — French  Vessela. 


the  sounding-lead  has  gone  down  two  hundred  and 
eighty -nine  feet. 

The  sudden  falls  and  level  in  this  river  are  not 
its  least  curiosity.  Here  we  behold  it  sleeping 
peacefully,  with  scarcely  the  appearance  of  a  cur- 
rent, and  anon,  it  thunders,  foams,  and  rushes  down 
a  quick  descent. 

Niagara  River  is  studded  with  Islands  from 
its  commencement  to  its  discharo-e  over  the  Falls. 
They  are  thirty-seven  in  number.  Some  of  them 
little  more  than  rocks,  but  most  of  them  beautiful 
in  appearance. 

Those  two  Islands,  so  near  the  extremity  of 
Grand  Island,  are  called  respectively  Buckiiorn, 
and  Navy  Island.  On  the  latter  the  French,  in 
the  war  of  1759,  built  their  sliips  of  war,  and 
having  other  business  connected  with  their  navy 
i  there.  On  the  coast  of  the  other  Island,  the  British, 
in  the  same  war,  burned  two  French  vessels,  whose 
charred  hulls  are  yet  visible.  ^ 


i 


' 


•i-.f; 


m 

'    T 

(■■ 

I  A 

m 

I!! 

m 


■ 


26 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


The  Patriots — Ciinadian  Rebellion. 


/ 


NAVY    ISLAND. 

0  spot  about  here  is  more  famous 
than  the  celebrated  head-quarters  of 
that  distinguiished  host  of  heroes, 
known  to  fame  as  **  The  Patriots,"  par 
excellence. 

.  This  choice  bit  of  terra-firma,  belongeth  to  Hei 
Most  Gracious  Majesty,  Queen  Victoria  Alexan- 
DRiNA,  Sovereign  Lady  of  the  British  Isles,  and 
Heaven  only  knows  how  many  dependencies  be- 
sides. 

Now,  it  would  seem  that  some  restless  subjects 
of  the  aforesaid  little  Female  Sovereign  were  not 
as  content  with  her  provincial  rule  as  to  loyalty 
seemed  fit;  so  they,  being  hunted  up  and  threat- 
ened with  confiscation  of  property  and  life,  actually 
had  the  audacity  to  attempt  to  defend  themselves 
against  their  persecutors  and  thus  commenced 
what  is  usually  called  **  the  Canadian  Rebeliion  of 
1337." 

Being  crushed  and  put  down  by  the  red  arm  of 
English  power,  the  rebellion  ceased,  and  the  leaders 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


27 


General  Sutherland— Wra.  Lyon  McKenxie — General  Scott 

fled  to  this  Island,  where  they  determined  to  make 
a  stand  and  look  for  American  sympathy.  They 
were  at  first  but  a  mere  handful,  not  exceeding 
twenty-five  individuals,  under  the  command  of  a 
person  calling  himself  General  Sutherland; 
amongst  them  was  the  notorious  Wm.  Lyon  Mc- 
Kenzie,  who  had  been  chiefly  instrumental  in 
stirring  up  the  rebellion.  Their  numbers  rapidly 
increased,  until  at  length  they  counted  an  hundred 
men,  when  the  daring  affair  of  the  Caroline 
brought  matters  to  a  crisis,  and  General  Scott  by 
command  of  the  Government,  completely  suppres- 
sed this  border  warfare,  and  Navy  Island  was 
evacuated  by  "  The  Patriots,"  for  aye  and  forever. 


S    i 


f 


Hi 


3* 


28 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Chippewa  Drawbritlge — Railroad  to  Queenston. 


CHIPPEWA. 

HERE  at  the  mouth  of  Chippewa 
Creek  is  the  village  of  the  same  name. 
It  is  a  port  of  entry,  and  contains 
from  two  to  three  thousand  inhabi- 
tants. The  harbor  is  good,  and  the  Creek,  which 
is  navigable  to  large  vessels  for  twenty  miles  up, 
is  spanned  by  a  drawbridge  one  hundred  yards 
long. 

There  is  a  rail-road  from  Chippewa  to  Queens- 
ton,  which  runs  along  the  banks  of  the  river,  and 
passing  close  to  the  Falls,  at  one  point  gives  a  no- 
ble view  of  its  wonders.  As  yet  the  want  of  that 
energy  and  enterprise  so  remarkable  on  the  Ameri- 
can side  has  failed  to  establish  a  locomotive  power. 
So  that  the  carriages  on  these  rails  are  drao-eed 
along  by  horses. 

The  view  of  the  rapids,  and  scenery  above, 
from  this  point  is  very  fine. 

CHIPPEWA    TO     THE     FALLS. 

It  is  now  in  the  power  of  the  tourist  to  keep 
along  the  Canada  shore  by  land,  or  to  cross  to 


' 


' 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


29 


Battle  of  Ckipp«wft— Iris  laland — Great  Rapidi. 


I 


Schlosser,  and,  on  the  American  side,  to  enter  this 
great  theatre  of  Nature's  wonders. 

Should  he  choose  the  former  course,  it  is  full  of 
beauty  and  grandeur.  Let  us  on  then — The  field 
on  which  the  celebrated  Battle  of  Chippewa  was 
fought  is  about  two  miles  from  this,  on  the  road  to 
Buflfalo. 

Look  at  the  Niagara  River  now,  and  you  per- 
ceive the  point  at  which  the  Rapids  commence, 
there  at  the  beginning  of  Iris  Island.  Observe  now, 
that  between  us  and  Iris  Island,  are  three  diminu- 
tive isles  called  the  Sisters,  two  of  which  are  named 
Moss  and  Deer,  the  third  being  nameless.  Be- 
tween those  islands  and  the  main  land,  where  we 
are,  you  behold  the  Great  Rapids !  Down  on  the 
shore,  where  we  are  now  passing,  at  the  bend  of 
this  inlet  or  bay,  is  a  burning  spring,  and  the  large 
island  you  see  in  that  little  bay  is  Cynthea  Isle. 

Our  road  now  runs  by  the  grounds  of  the  Hon. 
Thomas  Clark,  and  adjacent  is  the  residence  and 
demesne  of  the  late  Samuel  Street,  Esq.,  who  was 
reputed  to  be  the  richest  individual  in  Canada. 

Crescent  Isle  now  takes  our  attention.  There 
are  many  small  islands  here  within  view,  which 
though  not  large  enough  to  entitle  them  to  notice 
separately;  yet,  by  their  agency,  those  obstructions 


If  " 


!       -' 


m 


30 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Barrncki — Pnvilion  Hotel. 


are  formed,  which  give  to  the  rapids  all  that  boiling 
maddening  fury  which  forms  their  splendour. 

On  the  left  of  our  road,  on  a  lising  gTOund  is  a 
large  white  building  with  colonnades.  It  was 
formerly  a  hotel,  named  the  Ontario  House,  but  is 
now  used  as  a  barrack  for  soldiers. 

Further  on  to  our  left  is  the  Pavilion  Hotel. 
It  occupies  a  very  elevated  and  conspicuous  posi- 
tion. It  overlooks  the  Horse  shoe  fall  and  Table 
rock,  and  gives  to  the  spectator  a  view  of  great 
sublimity.  It  is  well  kept  and  worthy  of  patron- 
age. 


I 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


81 


Cit/  of  the  Falli— Drummonilville— Luinly'i  Lane— Clifton— ClifUm  Hotel. 


CITY    OF    THE    FALLS. 


h 


• 


E  now  enter  the  proposed  City  of 
THE  Falls,  and  a  more  magnilicent 
site  for  a  city  never  was  given  to  man. 
But  such  is  the  want  of  spirit  amongst 
Her  Britanic  Majesty's  subjects  in  tliis  Province, 
that  as  yet  it  continues  a  city  on  paper ^  an  oriental 
dream — a  castle  in  the  air! 

This  is  Drummondville,  a  neat  thriving  village, 
which  has  grown  and  progressed  rapidly. 

Having  visited  Lundy's  Lane,  another  battle 
ground  of  the  war  of  1812^  we  will  proceed  from 
Drummondville  to  Clifton. 

Here  is  the  site  of  another  city  of  intentions. — 
However,  we  have  the  comfort  of  knowino-  that  the 
tourist  is  well  provided  for  at  this  magnificent 
Hotel,  called  the  Clifton  House,  where  the  most 
comprehensive  view  can  be  had.  And  where,  by 
following  the  gently  descending  roadway,  we  reach 
the  ferry  that  connects  the  royal  Province  with  the 
great  Republican  Union. 


,     1      ;' 


f 


on 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Sporting, 


To  those  disposed  for  hunting,  the  Clifton  House 
offers  the  unusual  advantage  of  a  pack  of  hounds, 
which,  with  all  other  necessaries,  are  ever  ready  for 


THE    Sf^ORTS     OF     THE    FIELD. 


I 


.vt 


where 
the  mi 

• 

concep 
Lake 

jftlOR,    ] 

Ontar 
tribute 
the  vas 
All 
first  fin 
be  cons 
down  f 
vances 
for  moi 
course 
allies. 
boundl( 


I 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


33 


Niagara's  cnnnftctidii  with  tho  Lakes. 


NIAGARA. 

lAGARA  is  a  name,  which  in  the 
descriptive  language  of  the  Iroquois, 
who  most  frequented  these  parts,  sig- 
nifies Thunder  of  Waters  ;  and 
where  could  a  word  be  found  to  convey  at  once  to 
the  mind  so  distinctly,  and  so  boldly,  the  truth  of 
conception.  This  river,  or  rather  strait,  connects 
Lake  Ekie  and  its  mighty  sister  waters — Supe- 
flioR,  MioHiGAN,  Huron,  and  St.  Clair,  with 
Ontario  ;  which  latter  in  its  turn,  pours  its  proud 
tribute  through  the  giant  river  St.  Lawrence,  into 
the  vast  Ail  antic  Ocean. 

All  these  and  numerous  smaller  lakes,  which 
first  find  a  biith  in  the  rocky  mountains,  may  well 
be  considered  us  one  grand  river,  which  sweeping 
down  from  a  height  of  several  hundred  feet  ad- 
vances onward  lO  the  sea,  as  the  monarch  of  rivers, 
for  more  than  two  thousand  miles,  receiving  in  his 
course  the  plentiful  tributaries  of  his  countless 
allies.  Now  spreading  out  his  court  to  almost 
boundless  extent,  now  contracting  and  consolidating 


Mi* 


■■! 


^H 


l 


'i  "»• 


34 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


The  Cataract. 


his  rushing  power  until,  at  this  sacred  spot  he 
vaults  down  in  all  his  might  and  majesty  into  the 
fathomless  depth  below,  and  rising  in  sullen 
grandeur,  goes  forward  to  spread  out  his  dominion 
onee  again  in  the  green  bosom  of  Ontario ! 

Thus,  we  see  that  the  waters  of  the  world's 
widest  lakes,  together  with  innumerable  tributaries, 
making  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
square  miles  of  surface,  are  forced  over  this  great 
fall,  forming  a  cataract,  whose  vastness  must  be 
studied  for  a  time  before  the  bounded  imagination 
of  man  can  realize  its  actual  truth. 

Language  can  scarcely  approach  it  nearer  than 
the  poor  Indian's  simple,  yet  expressive,  Thunder 
of  waiters — ^it  is  in  truth  Niagara  '  ^ 


s*«. 


h 


tt  ' 


lijip 


.Hk^rprff.rt/m  jHtt 


..«*' 


'^^^^mmsMt^m 


^sprn^rinH  Urtt/^r. 


:► 


F 


1> 


i> 


* 

■ 

' 

■ 

GENERAT.   DETAILS 

OF    THE 

FALLS 

OF  NIAGARA, 

'  ♦ 

AND 

INTERESTINa  LOCALITIES    ADJACENT. 

*                                     '■■"-' 

% 

•_    .-'■■  ■ 

' 


'll 


11' 

'I 

11.1 

il 


II  M 


m 


11  . 


if 


h' 


I! 


NIAGARA   FALLS. 


37 


;• 


Mitt — Cutaract — Pure  Atmosphere. 


THE    FALLS   OF   NIAGARA 


7-ayl 


'!!  <\ 


% 


R  E  situated  in  latitude  43  deg.  6 
min.  north,  and  longitude  2  deg.  6 
min.  west  from  Washington.  It  is  22 
miles  north  from  Buffalo,  and  14 
miles  south  from  the  point  of  its  junction  with 
Lake  Ontario. 

There  is  an  idea  prevalent  that  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  Falls  of  Niao-ara  must  be  liable  to  dis- 
ease,  consequent  on  the  constant  mist,  which  de- 
scends from  the  Cataract  But  such  is  not  the 
case.  The  climate  of  this  magic  neighbourhood  is 
salubrious  in  the  extreme,  as  well  as  highly  invig- 
orating. 

The  atmosphere,  being  constantly  acted  on  by 


■■■■'? 


m 


.^ 


>  <■  ^ 


fi-'l^ 


jiit 


38 


DESCIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Keptilcs — Wild  Animnls — InnecU  and  Fowls. 


Mi. 


ifV  I 


the  rushing  of  the  vast  flood  of  water,  is  conse- 
quently kept  pure.  The  most  decided  proof  of  the 
purity  of  Niagara  Falls  is  to  be  found  in  the  elo- 
quent fact  that  when  all  the  world  was  being 
scourged  by  Cholera,  this  mysterious  spot  and  its 
neighbourhood  entirely  escaped! 

In  fact,  no  epidemic  or  pestilential  complaints 
ever  visit  this  spot  The  herbs  and  wild  flowers 
breathe  sweeter  perfume  here  than  elsewhere,  and 
curious  exotics  are  common.  No  reptiles,  wild  ani- 
mals or  troublesome  insects  are  here  to  be  found, 
not  even  musketoes.  Fowl  of  several  descriptions 
here  enjoy  sweet  converse  with  nature;  and  the 
eagle  and  seagull  hover  around  the  boundless 
scene,  whilst  the  bee  and  the  butterfly  range 
through  the  fragrant  islands  that  stud  the  preci- 
pice that  has  nought  of  fear  for  them. 

We  will  now  proceed  to  view  the  Falls  from  all 
available  points. 


, 


o 

K 


'^ 


: 


o 

7: 


XSi 

ft 


1 


4* 


^i' 


f     -  f 


:\\ 


M 


ii 


ill 


it 


I    I 


■■•.:| 


i  ' 

!  I  I 

Hi 


il 


% 


1' 


im 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


41 


rriMip«ot  Point  CottA(;e. 


VIEW  FROM  PROSPECT  POINT. 

E  T  us  now  proceed  through  the  grove 

to  Prospect  Point,  the  best  view  of 

the    Fails  from  the  American  side. — 

As  we  advance  towards  its  presence, 

tiie  thunder  of  Niagara  rolls  awfully  on  our  ears ; 

and  now  a  turn  in  the  walk  brings  us  in   front 
of  Prospect  Point  Cottage,  where  the  sens^es  are 

instantly  captivated  by  the  sight 

Here  we  are  presented  with  the  whole  line  of 
the  Cataract  in  perspective  from  one  shore  to  the 
other,  a  distance  of  fully  three  quarters  of  a  mile. 

Before  leaving  Prospect  Point,  let  us  advance  as 
near  the  brink  as  possible.  There  used  to  be  a 
small  projecting  platform,  ballanced  with  rocks  at 
tliis  place  to  enable  the  visitor  to  advance  two  yards 
beyond  the  edge,  and  look  down  in  safety  at  the 
mad  waters  dashing  down  amongst  the  rocks  be- 
low him,  to  a  depth  of  nearly  two  hundred  feet! 
This  convenience,  through  motives  of  prudence, 
has  been  removed,  however. 


i        ! 


1 1 


■  ,  I- 

!    'i 


ii  ^ 


42 


DESCPIPTIVE    GUIDE 


American  Fall— Bath  iBlond  —Iris  Island — Horseshoe  Fall. 


This,  next  us,  is  the  American  Fall,  with  the 
rapids  and  Islands  above.  Behold,  too  the  seething 
fathomless  cauldron  beneath !  This  Island  near  us 
is  called  Bath  Island,  to  which  a  bridge  leads,. as 
you  see,  from  the  main  land.  Beyond  it  is  Iris 
Island,  (sometimes  called  Goat  Island)  to  which 
another  bridge  leads,  forming  one  line  of  commu- 
nication between  the  American  shore  and  Iris 
Island,  the  gTand  centre  of  the  series  of  cataracts. 
And  in  the  extreme  distance  is  the  Canadian 
(called  from  its  peculiar  fonSa)  Horseshoe  Fall. 


" 


o 

w 

H 

U 

pi 

M 

o 
o 


00 


i 


1 


44 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


BuUj  Isliind — Tin;  iVarful   precipice — Hanging  Bridge. 


■I    i 


,jH 


\ 


I 


VIEW    FROM   THE    BRIDGE  AND 

ISLANDS. 

E    will  now  cross  that  bridge  which 

leads  to  Bath  Island.  -  Behold  how 

magnificent  the  wild  turmoil  of  those 

waters  as  they  roll  and  foam,  and  rush 

on  recklessly  beneath  the  bridge  on  which  we  stand, 

to  their  doomed  fall !  ♦ 

It  must  be  a  source  of  surprise  to  the  beholder, 

that  a  bridge,  such  as  that  on  which  we  are,  could 

be  erected  amidst  this  "  Hell  of  waters,"  at  little 

more  than  sixty  rods  from  the  fearful  precipice 

itself  • 

The  plan  adopted  was  simple,  notwithstanding. 

The  first  abutment  framed  of  heavy  timber,  being 

set  up  on  the  bank,  pieces  were  run  out,  bearing 

on  it,  and  balanced  on  the  land  side  by  large  rocks 

of  several  tons  weight     These  beams  were  planked 

over,  and  thus  a  hanging  bridge  was  formed  on 

which  the  workmen  ran  out  stone  and  droped  them 
down  into  the  water  until  the  pile  showed  itself;  a 


I 


' 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


45 


The  Bridge. 


cradle  or  strong  frame-work  was  then  laid  down 
and  filled  up  with  heavy  stone-work.  This  pier  was 
soon  connected  permanently  with  the  abutment, 
and  the  same  course  of  proceeding  repeated,  until 
the  bridge  was  finally  completed ;  and  by  adopting 
the  same  plan  in  i/  tking  a  bridge  from  Bath  Island 
to  Iris,  the  cor^  l  on  with  the  main  land  was 
made  both  safe  and  pleasant  Formerly,  the  visitor 
to  Iris  Island  was  compelled  to  land  from  below 
in  a  boat,  between  the  falls  at  the  base  of  Iris 
Island. 

The  first  bridge  erected  here  was  in  1817,  by 
General  Parkhurst  Whitney,  of  the  Cataract 
House.  It  was  somewhat  higher  up  the  rapids. 
This  structure  did  not  last  more  than  one  year, 
being  carried  away  by  the  ice.  The  following- 
summer  after  its  destruction,  the  present  substan- 
tial bridge  was  built  by  the  Messrs.  Porter. 

The  whole  extent  of  this  bridge  is  forty-four 
rods,  viz :  Twenty-eight  rods  to  Bath  Island,  and 
thence  sixteen  rods  to  Iris  Island.  It  cost  about 
sixteen  hundred  dollars.  This  bridge  was  re- 
paired in  1839,  and  also  in  1849,  and  is  now  in  a 
sound  and  perfect  state. 

Pause  here  and  scan  those  overwhelming  rapids 
as  they  rush  down  their  inclined  course,  and,  rush- 


I 


ii  't^ll 
i     M 

■i-i' 

■    ':i 


,1 


ii 


H 


46 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Melnncholy  occurrence. 


ing  vainly  against  the  piers  of  the  bridge  under  us, 
seem  to  tussel  with  each  other  with  ungovernable 
anger,  till,  like  their  countless  predecessors,  they 
too  go  down  the  horrid  leap  together ! 

This  bridge  has  been  the  silent  witness  of  many 
a  thrilling  scene,  but  of  not  one  which  caused  more 
dismay  than  the  following,  the  detailed  account  of 
which  we  here  give  from  the  columns  of  The  Buf- 
falo Dailj/  Republic  and  Courier  newspapers: — 


« 


MELANCHOLY   OCCURRENCE    AT   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


9i 


"A  most  melancholy  occurrence  took  place  at 
Niagara  Falls,  on  Monday  night  last,  about  twelve 
o'clock.  A  Mrs.  Miller,  who  represented  herself 
as  the  daughter  of  Senator  Norvell,  of  Michigan, 
and  as  the  wife  of  an  officer  in  the  army  now  in 
Florida,  and  who,  with  her  children,  had  been 
stopping  at  the  Eagle  Hotel,  jumped  from  the 
bridge,  leading  to  Goat  Island,  into  the  river,  and 
was  carried  over  the  cataract  The  particulars  of 
this  heart-rending  affair  are  thus  given  by  a  cor- 
respondent of  the  Courier,  writing  from  the  Falls 
yesterday: 

"  Our  village  was  this  morning  thrown  into  deep 
gloom  by  a  report  that  a  young  lady  had  probably 
committed  suicide   here,  during  some  time  last 


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1 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


47 


Newspaper  Extract. 


night,  which  is  undoubtedly  too  true.  The  cir- 
cumstances are  as  follows: 

"  The  train  of  cars  yesterday  morning  brought 
hither  a  young  woman  of  tine  personal  appearance, 
and  about  thirty-five  years  of  age,  having  with  her 
two  bright  looking  boys,  four  and  six  years  old. 
After  taking  rooms  at  the  Eagle  Hotel,  she  called 
for  writing  materials,  and  nothing  more  was  known 
of  her  until  this  morning.  Between  seven  a.id 
eight  o'clock,  the  bell  of  the  room  she  had  occupied 
was  rung  by  the  little  boys.  They  were  inquiring 
for  their  mother. 

"  Upon  the  table  were  found  three  letters — one 
directed  to  Major  Miller,  U.  S.  A.,  and  one  to 
Hon.  John  Norvell,  Detroit,  Mich.,  and  one  to  the 
proprietor, of  the  Eagle  Hotel,  (a  copy  of  which  I 
send  you) — also  the  ringlets  of  one  side  of  her 
head,  her  gold  watch,  two  trunks  of  clothing,  a  silk 
purse  containing  some  gold  and  silver  coins,  and 
her  wedding  ring. 

"  The  children  state  that  their  mother  had  bid 
them  good-bye  and  kissed  them,  after  they  had 
gone  to  bed — that  they  had  last  come  from  Win- 
chester, Virginia,  and  that  their  father  was  in  Flo- 
rida No  cause  can  be  assigned  for  the  act  She 
app'eared  perfectly  rational  throughout  fe^terday, 

5 


t+ 


fi 


48 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


y 

'^i 


ffi 


If 


Copy  of  H  letter  to  Mr.  White. 


and  not  the  least  symptom  of  insanity  was  noticed. 
Nothing  has  yet  been  found  to  throw  the  least  light 
upon  the  matter. 

"  P.  S. — Enough  has  been  found  to  warrant  the 
belief  that  the  unfortunate  lady  leaped  from  the 
bridge  that  leads  to  Goat  Island,  and  was  swept 
over  the  Falls.  Upon  the  second  pier  was  found 
her  bonnet,  which  had  been  trodden  upon.  Her 
black  crape  shawl  was  found  tied  to  the  railing  of 
the  bridge,  to  let  her  down  upon  the  pier  which  is 
some  six  feet  below  the  railins:.  She  undoubtedlv 
did  this  to  indicate  to  those  who  should  look  for 
her,  that  her  mind  was  made  up  for  the  fearful 
leap  into  the  yawning  chasm  below. 

"  Her  father  has  been  telegraphed,  and  the  chil- 
dren have  been  kindly  taken  charge  of,  by  the 
Hon.  Augustus  S.  Porter. 

"  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  letter  addressed 
by  Mrs.  Mil;.er  to  Mr.  White,  of  the  Eagle 
Hotel:  .  >    . 

"  *To  THE  Proprietor  OF  the  Eagle  Hotel. — 
My  mind  is  made  up.  I  have  no  wish  to  live  any 
longer.  I  shall  go  where  my  body  will  never  be 
recovered  No  one  shall  gaze  on  my  mangled  re- 
mains. Please  take  care  of  my  two  little  boys  till 
they  can  be  sent  to  Detroit,  where  their  grand  pa- 


« 


i} 


i 


h 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


49 


l'(mlr«(«ri,!i  lo  Letter — Hrnry  BlHk*<mer. 


rents  ni^-ido.  Tliey  are  the  sons  of  Major  Miller, 
of  the  Ar;iiy,  now  in  Florida,  and  grand-sons  of 
Hon.  Jonx  Norvell,  Detroit,  Michigan.  Please 
forward  my  letters,  and  protect  my  children  till 
some  of  their  relatives  can  come  for  them. 

*MRS.  J.  G.MILLER' 

"  Postscript. — Since  the  above  was  put  in  type, 
we  have  learned  that  there  is  every  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  Mrs.  Miller  is  still  alive,  having  eloped 
with  a  friend  from  Philadelphia,  and  that  she  placed 
the  shawl  and  bonnet  on  the  bridoe  and  wrote  the 
letters,  which  were  found  in  her  room,  to  convey 
the  impression  that  she  had  gone  over  the  Falls. 
The  circumstances  leading  to  this  belief  are  as 
follows : 

"  On  Thursday  last,  a  man  who  registered  his 
name  *  Henry  Blakemer,  Philadelphia,'  stopped  at 
the  Exchange  Hotel,  in  this  city.  He  said  that  he 
expected  some  friends  in  a  day  or  two,  and  was 
watching  the  arrival  of  every  train  of  cars.  On 
the  arrival  of  the  Sunday  morning  train,  he  was 
observed  by  the  porter  of  the  house  in  conversa- 
tion, in  the  sitting  room  of  the  depot,  with  a  lady 
with  two  children.  The  lady,  who  was  afterwards 
ascertained  to  be  Mrs.  Miller,  took  lodging-s  at  the 


^i 


i.^1 


it 


60 


DESCIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Mr.  Bluki'tnt-r  liin-k  a  home  hihI  btiifvy. 


Lovejoy  lluiise,  but  subsequently  went  to  the  Ex- 
change, where  she  remained  until  Monday  morn- 
ing, when  she  took  the  nine  o'clock  train  for  the 
Falls. 

"On  the  afternoon  of  Monday,  Mr.  Blakemer  went 
to  the  hvery  stable. of  Mr.  Miller  on  Washinoton- 
street,  and  hired  a  horse  and  buggy  to  go  two 
miles  below  Tonawanda  He  returned  about  three 
o'clock  on  Tuesday  morning  with  a  lady,  believed 
to  be  Mrs.  Miller,  leaving  her  at  the  railroad  depot, 
when  he  brought  the  horse  back  to  the  livery 
stable.  He  then  called  at  the  Exchange  for  his 
baggage,  and,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Miller,  took  the 
fiist  train  which  leaves  here  at -J-  past  5,  purchasing- 
tickets  for  Cayuga  Bridge." 


jV  fi| 


•  ''■■til  '■■' 


,J  V4-Hi.;    fi.ly%i 


, 


f 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


51 


Twin  l«IitiiilN— Slijpnnd  Brijj— Iy>v«rii'  Ketreut. 


BATH    ISLAND. 


"'"•"Sli  ERE    at  this  picturesque  little  Toll 
ri-^'vii'SJi  House,  reoister  your  name,  and  pay 
twenty-live  cents,  which  sum  will  give 
vou  the  freedom  of  the  bridoe  and 
ishmds  for  the  year. 

We  will  now  take  a  look  at 

SHIP     AND     BRIQ     ISLANDS. 

Those  fantastic  twins  received  their  present 
names  from  a  supposed  resemblance  to  vessels. 
This  little  bridge  which  leads  to  Ship  Island, 
although  slight,  may  be  relied  upon  as  perfectly 
safe.  View  the  rapids  from  this  point!  How  wild 
the  world  of  waters  seems.  Yet  how  heavenly 
peaceful  are  those  islets,  embosomed  in  fair  foliage 
of  trees  and  vines,  carpeted  with  nature's  matchless 
moss,  and  redolent  of  flowers  that  never  felt  the 
withering  influence  of  man !  Ship  Island  is  also 
called  the  "  Lovers*  Retreat" 

A  truly  tasteful  lover  of  Nature  must  he  be 
who  would  here  take  up  his  abode  away  from  the 

5* 


,  1  ll 


M 

1 M 

irm'tl 


t 


K\ 


52 


D£SCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Cupid. 


rude  realities  of  a  heartless  world,  which,  like  the 
waters  that  roll  around  him,  is  ever  progressing 
regardless  '  of  ag  onies  which  rise  on  its  course. 
Aye,  this  w  the  spot  for  the  vr'ary  of 


CUPID ! 


f 


( 


|!1 


I 
I  i 


.»- 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


53 


the 
sing 
irse. 


Goat  Islaud — Iris  Island. 


* 


IRIS    ISLAND. 

♦■     . 

S  there  an  isle  in  this  world,  which 
has  so  great  a  charm  as  this  little  spot 
^  of  earth,  scarcely  half  a  mile  long, 
"  and  but  eighty  rods  wide,  containing 
in  all  not  more  than  sixty-two  acres  of  arable  land. 
Yet  it  has  been  visited  by  bygone  generations  from 
all  quarters  of  the  globe,  and  countless  generations 
yet  will  tread  its  walks  of  wonder. 

We  before  stated  that  it  was  also  called  Ooat 
Island.  This  appellation  took  its  rise  from  the  fact 
of  a  Mr.  Steadman,  then  a  resident  at  Schlosser  in 
17 70,  placing  a  variety  of  animals  on  it:  amongst 
others  a  number  of  goats.  Of  these,  a  bearded 
patriarch  was  the  only  one  who  survived  the  se- 
verity of  winter,  and  he  remained  in  sole  posses- 
sion for  a  long  time.  . 

The  beautiful  name  of  Iris  Island,  it  derives  from 
the  rainbows,  which  perpetually  bend  round  its 
shrine  at  the  Falls,  which  indicate  this  to  be  the 
favorite  home  of  the  goddess  Iris.     Here  are  seats 


i 


'I 
r 


y 


ii 


where  we  may  sit  and  rest  before  proceeding 
further. 


54 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


View  from  Hog'a  Back. 


Let  us  now  turn  to  the  right  and  take  a  look  at 


the 


1 :, 


hog's   B  A  CK. 

This  narrow  ridge  is  so  called  from  its  peculiar 
shape.  From  it  you  have  a  magnificent  view  of 
the  Central  Fall,  the  American  Fall,  the  river  be- 
low, and  the  long  line  of  foliaged  perpendicular 
banks  which  wall  the  fallen  waters  as  they  speed 
away.        .  ,*  • 


u 


1 


ng 

1 

at 

> 


[ 


.: 


liar 
of 

Ibe- 
lar 

bed 


% 


L 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


55 


Crescent  Fall — Prospect  Island. 


THE  CENTRAL  OR  CRESCENT  FALL. 

We  will  now  contemplate  the  beauties  of  this 
Fall ;  which,  though  narrow,  is,  from  its  amazing 
depth,  alone  sufficient  to  inspire  reverence. 

It  is  formed  by  that  portion  of  the  Niagara  river 
cut  off  by  Prospect  Island  from  the  American 
volume  of  water,  and  is  but  twenty  yards  wide. 
How  clear — how  sparkling — how  fairy-like  it  looks. 
No  break,  no — no  difference — all  in  unity—- one 
beautiful  vestal's  sheet  of  stainlesss  hue  spread  for 
eternity!  , 

Underneath  the  rock  on  which  we  stand,  and 
behind  this  cascade,  is  the  Cave  or  the  Winds, 
which  we  will  visit  presently.  But  first  let  us  cross 
this  bridge  and  take  a  still  better  view  than  we 
have  yet  had  of  the  American  Fall  from 

prospect   island.    " 

By  some  this  is  called  Luna  Island.  It  is  in 
truth  a  yery  lovely  spot,  the  view  from  which  is 
magnificent   Here  in  this  richly  embowered  Island, 


I' 


n 


Mi 
If 


M 


<-:i| 


Hi 


/ 1  1      C 


I 


56 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


View  of  th«  Ainerican  Fnll— The  three  Profilos. 


the  bird  of  liberty,  the  eagle,  used  to  enjoy  his  full 
born  freedom  in  repose,  in  times  when  the  enslaver, 
Man,  had  not  yet  profaned  its  sanctity  with  his 
presence.  See  now — the  view  is  matchless — Here, 
come  the  rude  rapids,  rolling  and  struggling  down, 
chafing  those  many  little  sunny  islands  as  they  rush 
along,  as  if  jealous  of  their  beauty.  There,  the 
broad  sheet  of  the  American  Fall  tumbles  down 
the  dizzy  descent  in  terrible  majesty.  It  is  a  sight 
to  study — a  memory  never  to  be  erased.  We  will 
now  return  to  Iris  Island,  and  examine  the  very 
singular  appearance  presented  from  the  Hog's 
Back,  being  what  are  called 

\  THE     THREE     PROFILES. 

You  must,  however,  draw  powerfully  on  Imagina- 
tion, for  the  action  of  the  waters  has  nearly  eflaced 
them  altogether.  The  first  or  highest  represented 
the  profile  of  a  negro;  the  second,  of  a  well  featured 
young  man  ;  and  the  third,  of  an  aged  man  with 
spectacles.  .  , 


: 


J> 


»         «' 


TO   NIAGARA    FALLS. 


57 


TliM  thn)0  Profiles. 


• 


m 


THE     THRBB     PROFILES. 


58 


DESCRIPTIVE    OUIDE 


IIorRC  shoe   FhII — Prospect  Tower. 


VIEW   OF  THE   HORSE-SHOE  FALL. 

We  now  face  towards  Canada,  and  by  pursuing 
this  walk  soon  come  in  sight  of  the  Terrapin  Rocks, 
Bridge,  Tower,  and  the  beautiful  curve  called  the 
Horseshoe  Fall. 

How  magical  is  the  scene  before  us  !  Let  us 
contemplate  it 

As  you  perceive,  the  name  of  this  Fall  is  rather 
inappropriate  now,  as  the  constant  giving  way  of 
parts  so  changed  its  form,  that  it  rather  resembles 
the  figure  5. 

» 

P  R  O  S  P  E  C  T     T  O  W  E  R . 

This  stone  building  is  forty-five  feet  high,  and  was 
erected  in  the  year  1833,  by  Judge  Porter.  There 
is  a  flight  of  winding  stairs  inside  by  which  you 
ascend  and  obtain  one  of  the  most  unutterably 
mao-nificent  views  that  the  mind  can  take  in. 

You  look  down  into  the  very  caldron  itself,  and 
see  the  peerless  green  waters  how  they  have  been 
lost  in  foam  and  mist     Look  up  the  rapids,  and 


J 


1 


> 


you 
•ably 

and 


y 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


59 


Remains  of  a  Bridge— Francia  Abbott,  the  Hermit. 


see  those  beautiful  billows  rushing  madly  on  in 
their  wild  career  as  if  desirous  of  their  destined 
leap.  Look  at  either  side  and  behold  the  smiling 
green  shores  and  hear  the  thoughtless  birds  how 
they  carrol  on,  unconscious  of  the  dread  abyss 
and  unscared  by  its  endless  thunder. 

Those  timbers  which  you  see  scattered  about, 
are  the  poor  remains  of  a  once  highly  useful  bridge 
which  Gen.  Whitney  built  here. 

You  see  that  timber  which  projects  over  the 
gulph.  On  it  Francis  Abbott,  the  hermit  of  the 
Falls,  was  in  the  habit  of  taking  a  daily  walk, 
reaching  the  very  end,  and  turning  on  his  heel  to 
come  back.  A  feat  which  few  would  have  nerve 
enough  to  perform. 


i  ' 


J 


6 


m 


60 


DESCIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Tho  Biddle  Stair-cAoe, 


THE   BIDDLE    STAIR-CASE. 

0  W  let  us  return  by  the  walk  we 
came  from  Prospect  Island,  and  visit 
The  Biddle  Staircase,  which  we 
passed  in  coming  here. 
This  staircase  takes  its  name  from  Nicholas 
Biddle,  Esq.,  at  whose  expense  it  was  erected  in 
1829,  and  to  whom  the  tourist  is  deeply  indebted, 
as  it  enabled  him  to  reach  this  part  of  the  island, 
to  pass  over  the  rocks,  and  approach  the  falling 
sheet  of  wr  ter.  Before  its  construction,  the  tourist 
had  to  come  in  a  boat  from  the  ferry. 

A  steep  of  some  forty  feet,  notched  into  rude 
steps,  leads  to  the  head  of  the  staircase,  which  is 
about  eighty  feet,  having  ninety  steps.  From  this 
staircase  down  to  the  river  is  eighty  feet  more  of 
descent  ;  making  the  total  'descent  from  the  top 
of  the  bank  above,  one  hundred  and  eighty-five 
feet  At  this  point  of  the  river  below,  the  angler 
may  enjoy  his  vocation  in  an  unequalled  degree. 
Shortly  after  this  staircase  was  finished,  in  the  fall 


i 


5E  . 


allino' 
jurist 


:ree. 
fill] 


r 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


61 


Snm  PuUih,  tlie  juniper— Foot  of  the  CatHrHct. 


of  1829,  the  eccentric  Sam  Patch,  the  most  daring 
jumper  in  the  world,  made  two  successful  leaps 
here  from  a  platform  ninety-seven  feet  high  !  Poor 
Sam,  not  content  with  his  glory,  made  another,  and 
a  greater  leap  at  the  Genesee  Falls  ;  but  still  his 
ambition  was  ungratified ;  he  jumped  once  more 
from  the  same  place  from  a  height  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty-five  feet !  This  was  his  last  leap  :  for 
Sam  Patch  never  rose  again,  and  never  since  has 
been  heard  of. 

Having  descended  the  Biddle  Stairs,  we  advance 
along  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff,  with  the  fearfully  im- 
pending rocks  above  us,  seeming  as  if  ready  just 
now  to  fall  and  crush  us.  Yet,  with  all  this  fear, 
there  is  something  so  imposing  in  our  situation  as 
to  render  it  pleasing,  although  you  see  innumerable 
evidences  around  you  of  the  constant  falling  down 
of  fragments  from  above.  But  it  is  a  sort  of  assu- 
rance to  one  that,  amongst  the  countless  tourists 
who  have  trod  this  path  till  now,  not  a  single  acci- 
dent has  yet  occurred. 

Let  us  now  approach  the  foot  of  the  Cataract, 
and  view  the  awful  splendor  of  this  scene.  Look 
at  that  hue  of  green  in  the  horseshoe  fall — what  can 
equal  that  ?  See  the  rich  silvery  waters,  how  they 
chase  each  other  down  that  terrible  descent   Here, 


►^ 


1. 


3-   ''1     ,' 


62 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


The  sheet  of  rolling  glau— The  Rnlnbow. 


resembling  frosted  pillars  of  snow ;  there,  one  solid 
sheet  of  rolling  glass  !  Behold  that  lovely  rain- 
bow— fit  accompaniment  of  such  a  picture. 

Gaze  on.    We  are  in  the  presence  of  the  en- 
chanter. 


i 


.  ? 


-.1 


\\ 


^-lir 


JW^aW-Uii-m 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


63 


i 


The  Lower  Fishing;  Rock— View  of  the  great  Anievijim  Fall. 


I, 


THE   CAVE   OF  THE    WINDS. 


N  leaving  the  Biddle  Stairs,  our  best 
course  is  to  proceed  to  the  Central 
Fall.  Let  us  descend  this  sloping- 
bank  to  that  limestone  rock  at  the 
lowest  point  of  the  shore  of  Iris  Island,  called  the 
Lower  Fishing  Rock. 

From  this  point  see  what  a  noble  view  we  have 
of  the  great  American  Fall.  See  the  bold  cataract, 
how  it  falls  in  brilliant  folds  down  the  miohtv 
precipice  !  What  a  scene  for  an  atheist  to  look 
upon,  and  then  deny  the  existence  of  an  all  power- 
ful Creator  !  How  vast,  how  grand,  how  bewilder- 
ing to  the  mind  !  Dwell  on  it,  stranger — try  to 
bring  its  magnitude  within  the  limits  of  your  com- 
prehension and  acknowledge  yourself  an  atom,  a 
mere  atom  in  nature,  for  that  you  are,  and  no 
more.  Then,  what  is  life  but  a  short  confused 
game  of  mortality! 

As  we  re-ascend  the  sloping  bank  to  the  Central 

6* 


s 


':% 


• 


>  ( 


.li 


64 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


The  CcDtrftI  F«ll— Th«  Cava  of  th«  Wlnda. 


Fall,  we  have  before  us  that  great  curiosity,  known 
> 

THE    GAVE    OF  THE   WINDS. 

Come,  let  us  enter.  But,  first,  cast  your  eyes 
upwards,  and  behold  the  impending  cliff  which 
overhangs  us  like  a  dark  destiny,  and  see  that  mag- 
nificent sheet  of  snowy  purity,  how  it  leaps  exultant 
from  the  topmost  rock,  and  flashes  down  into  mid 
air,  and  plunges  below  with  the  hoarse  voice  of 
thunder  ! 

Let  us  descend  these  rude  steps,  and  enter  the 
cavern.  Listen — here  might  the  ancients  have  lo- 
cated Boreas,  for,  surely,  all  the  chained  storms 
are  fretting  out  their  madness  here  ! 

Now  we  are  at  the  bottom.  Let  us  retire  to  the 
back  of  the  cavern,  and  gaze  in  silence  on  the 
wondrous  scene.  This  awful  temple  of  Nature 
was  first  entered  in  1834,  by  Messrs.  White  and 
Sims,  residents  of  the  village  above  us.  They 
came  in  a  boat  from  the  foot  of  Prospect  Island, 
and  entered  the  Cave  with  a  great  deal  of  difficulty. 
Some,  for  the  romance  of  the  thing,  enter  by  the 
same  way  now,  although  there  is  no  necessity  for 
so  doing. 

The  dimensions  of  the  Cave  are  one  hundred 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


65 


known 


ir  eyes 
which 
it  mag- 
xultant 
to  mid 
Dice  of 


ter  the 

lave  lo- 

storms 


B  to  the 

on  the 

Nature 

TE  and 

They 

Island, 

fficulty. 

by  the 

sity  for 


• 


C»T«  of  th«  Wiadt— A  fit  Pttlftce  for  Old  N«ptun«. 


feet  wide,  thirty  feet  deep,  and  one  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  feet  high.  The  bottom  is  about  thirty- 
five  feet  from  the  water's  edge,  and  is  composed 
of  those  fragments  which  time  and  the  wearing 
cataract  have  broken  and  let  fall  upon  the  spot 

It  is  curious  to  observe  the  spray  how  it  curls 
along  the  sloping  bottom  of  the  cavern,  then  roll- 
ing up  along  the  rocky  back,  seeks  the  shelving 
ceiling  where  it  breaks  into  distinct  portions,  and  by 
its  constant  action  on  the  air  gives  those  reverbera- 
tions which  have  given  rise  to  its  title  of  "  the  Cave 
of  the  Winds.**    A  fit  palace  for 


OLD   NEPTUNE   HIMSELF. 


iiV 


■-   -f 


undred 


Ill 


66 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Paesiige  unrler  ih^  Ainericiin  Fall — Road  round  Iris  Island. 


THE    AMERICAN    SHEET. 

ERE,  between  the  Central  and 
American  Falls,  there  is  a  vacant 
space,  immediately  at  the  foot  of  Pros- 
pect Island  ;  it  is  roofed  by  the  tum- 
blinp*  cascade.  Let  us  enter  and  rest  awhile.  Oh, 
what  a  view  have  we  here  ! 

Come  now,  Ave  will  ramble  to  the  American  Fall, 
and  pass  under  it  as  fiir  as  you  dare.  There  is  no 
doubt  of  there  being  a  passage  clear  through,  but 
who  is  he  who  would  dare  to  pass  it  ?  How  over- 
whelming is  the  majesty  of  this  place — how  awe- 
inspiring,  yet  sublimely  beautiful ! 

We  will  now  ascend  the  Biddle  Staircase,  and 
resume  our  dress.  Here  we  will  rest,  before  we 
take 

'     THE    TOUR    OP     I  PIS     ISLAND. 

The  road  runs  entirely  round  the  Island,  and 
presents  many  attractions. .  Here  you  perceive  the 
road  has  been  carried  away  by  the  constant  en- 
croachments of  the  ceaseless  flood.  " 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


67 


The  Mad  Rajiids — Remainb  of  the  flag-ship  Detroit. 


See  those  trees  that  are  now  trailing  in  the  wa- 
ter. They  were  once  flourishing  on  the  firm  bank. 
Look  from  this  point  at  the  mad  rapids,  as  they 
career  along  to  their  awful  boundary. 

Those  timbers  which  you  obser\^e  amongst  the 
rocks  are  the  remains  of  the  Detroit,  the  flag-ship 
of  Captain  Barclay,  which  was  captured  together 
with  several  other  vessels,  in  the  memorable  battle 
of  Lake  Erie,  when  Commodore  Perry  gained  a 
decisive  victory  over  the  British,  September  the 
10th,  1813. 

The  Detroit  was  brought  here  from  Buffalo  in 
the  autumn  of  1841,  with  the  intention  of  sending 
her  over  the  Falls.  Great  numbers  of  spectators 
assembled,  but  were  doomed  to  be  disappointed, 
for  the  Detroit,  striking  against  one  of  those  ledges 
of  rocks  in  the  rapids,  was  at  once  dismasted,  and 
became  a  wreck  ;  part  of  her  went  over  the  Falls  in 
the  night  time,  and  parts  have  been  going  over  at 
intervals  since,  until  now  the  few  sticks  which  re- 
main, are  all  that  may  be  seen  of  the  once  gallant 
ship-of-war. 


I 


i 
I 


\     'I 


m 


■iV:^ 


68 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Moss  Island — The  miniiitiire  Catoract. 


m, 


MOSS   ISLAND. 


rm 


m  >■; 


W-c       i. 


HIS  lovely  Island  is  so  called  from 
its  being  covered  with  a  lovely  velvet- 
like  moss.  It  presents  one  of  the 
sweetest  spots  that  eye  can  rest  upon. 
Here  that  eccentric  character  called  "  The  Hermit 
of  the  Falls,"  proposed  to  build  a  cottage  in  the 
rustic  style,  with  a  draAV-bridge  to  the  island,  by 
which  he  might  be  alone  when  he  pleased.  It  is 
a  pity  that  permission  was  not  given  for  the  erection 
of  this  hermitage,  as  it  would  have  added  very 
much  to  the  romance  of  the  Falls. 

The  islands  outside  Moss  Island  are  called  the 
Sisters.  It  would  be  a  vast  addition  to  the  interest 
of  this  locality,  if  these  beautiful  islands  were  united 
by  bridges. 

Between  Moss  and  Iris  Islands,  there  is  a  minia- 
ture cataract,  which  is  inexpressibly  beautiful.  This 
the  Hermit  of  the  Falls  was  in  the  habit  of  using 
as  a  shower-bath,  and  certainly  a  more  delightful 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


69 


Ileiid  of  Irb  Island— The  Hermit  of  the  Fulls. 


one  could  not  have  been  enjoyed  by  any  prince  or 
potentate. 

We  are  now  at  the  head  of  Iris  Island.  Here, 
before  the  formation  of  the  bridge,  the  stranger 
was  compelled  to  gratify  his  curiosity  at  the  peril 
of  his  hfe,  by  navigating  to  this  point  between  the 
rapids  on  either  side — a  daring  venture. 

See,  here  is  the  far-famed 


M" 


HOUSE     OF     THE     HERMIT. 


Here  is  the  spot  where  resided  the  eccentric  and 
unfortunate  Francis  Abbott,  commonly  known  as 
the  Hermit  of  the  Falls.  « 

He  was  a  young  Englishman,  who,  coming  to 
visit  the  Fdls  in  1829,  became  so  overpowered  that 
he  could  not  withdraw  himself  from  the  romantic 
spot,  but  remained  week  after  week,  and  month 
after  month,  until  at  last  his  love  of  the  wild  scene 
became  a  mono  mania,  and  he  shunned  all  society, 
save  that  of  nature.      He  Avas  learned,  highly  ac- 


%1 


ii 


n 


rr 


70 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


The  Hcrmit'H  last  resting  place. 


complished,  gifted  with  a  most  attractive  person, 
and  a  finished  elegance  of  manner,  which  at  once 
bespoke  him  of  high  origin.  But,  as  to  his  real 
name  or  history,  all  is  secret. 

In  June,  1831,  he  was  bathing  in  the  river  be- 
low the  Falls,  when,  it  is  supposed,  he  got  into  the 
current  and  was  drowned.  His  body  was  picked 
up  some  ten  days  after  at  Fort  Niagara,  and  buried 
at  his  loved  Niagara  Falls.  He  was  about  twenty- 
eight  J  ears  of  age  when  he  perished.  But  y  ^urs 
and  centuries  will  pass  away  before  the  memory 
cau  be  obliterated  of 

!'■'■' 

THB  HERMIT  07  THB  VALLS. 


'■: 


/ 


\ 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


71 


e  person, 
h  at  once 
>  his  real 


The  Graves— Bridge  at  Bath  Island. 


river  be- 
>t  into  the 
as  picked 
id  buried 
it  twenty- 
Jut  y^urs 

memory 

LS. 


THE    GRAVE  S. 

EAR  this  spot  on  an  elevated  sand- 
bank some  mounds  existed,  which,  on 
examination,  proved  to  be  graves.  Hu- 
man remains  were  discovered  in  them ; 
each  mound  containing  a  body  in  a  sitting  position. 
None  of  the  Indian  tribes  now  in  existence  can 
account  for  these  remains,  although  it  is  highly 
probable  that  they  were  of  some  of  the  aboriginal 
tribes,  who  here  worshiped  the  Great  Spirit  within 
the  sound  of  his  almighty  voice,  sent  up  from  the 
fathomless  depths  of  the  waters  ! 

We  have  now  gained  the  bridge  which  leads  to 
Bath  Island. 


■  ? 


i 


' 


12 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Point  View— The  feny.stain. 


THE    CANADA    SIDE. 

A  V I N  G  now  seen  all  that  is  worthy 
of  notice  on  the  American,  let  us  cross 
to  the  British  shore. 
Here  is  Point  View,  from  whence 
we  took  our  first  observation  of  the  Falls ;  and 
here  close  at  hand  is  the  ferry-stairs.  Let  us  step 
into  the  cars,  which  an  overshot  water-wheel  when 
loosened,  v ill  cause  to  descend,  and  at  the  same 
time  bring  up  the  return  cars  on  the  next  track  to 
ours.  This  water-wheel  is  turned  by  a  branch  of 
the  cataract  itself.  In  the  spring  of  1850,  the 
rocks  here  gave  way  and  impeded  the  course  of 
this  railway  for  a  time. 

Some  persons  walk  up  these  stairs  for  exercise 
or  amusement ;  but,  as  there  are  some  700  steps, 
the  operation  is  very  fatiguing.  There  is  no  addi- 
tional charge  made  for  descending  in  thf>  cars  to 
those  who  intend  to  cross  the  ferry  ;  all  is  paid 
for  at  the  head  of  the  stairs. 

At  the  bottom  of  this  railway  is  a  platform,  and 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


73 


The  fer*y-b<iftt — Tlic  brawny  boatnutn. 


an  easy  flight  of  stairs,  to  the  right  of  which  brings 
you  at  once  into  the  presence  of  the  Falls. 

This  view  is  very  grand.  But,  muffle  yourself 
up,  and  enter  the  ferry-boat,  that  we  may  cross  to 
the  Canada  side.  There  is  no  xiew  more  compre- 
hensive or  grander  than  the 


VIEW     FROM     THE     FERR? 

Over  to  the  other  side,  is  but  a  distance  of  a 
little  over  four  hundred  yards,  in  a  straight  line. 
But,  to  humor  the  current,  this  brawny  boatman 
of  ours  pulls  up  towards  the  Falls,  and  is  by  it 
borne  back  towards  his  landing,  which  he  has  to 
pull  hard  for,  lest  he  be  carried  past.  There  has 
been  no  ac  Jent  to  record  at  tliis  apparently  dan- 
gerous passage,  within  the  memory  of  any  one 
living 


!V 


i 


74 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Crossinj?  the  river — View  from  the  Cnnada  side. 


Now  view  the  whole  panorama  of  the  Falls. 
Can  any  thing  equal  that  ?  Look  above,  around, 
and  beneath  you.  How  awful  is  the  might  of  that 
Supreme  Being  whose  work  this  is. 

The  boat  begins  to  toss,  but  don't  be  alarmed,  it 
is  the  agitation  of  the  current,  and  the  skill  of  our 
experienced  boatman  will  soon  bear  us  into  still 
water. 

Gaze  on  that  amphitheatre  of  Cataracts,  and 
listen  to  their  roar.  Extensive  as  they  seem,  we 
have  but  a  perspective  view  of  them — the  beau- 
tiful Horse-shoe  being  a  considerable  distance 
from  us. 

Now  we  are  nearing  the  Province  of  Queen 
Victoria,  where  a  circuitous  road  leads  to  the  lofty 
height  above. 

As  we  ascend,  let  us  pause  at  intervals,  and  look 
back  upon  the  rushing  Niagara,  which  we  have 
just  crossed,  and  as  we  ascend  still  higher,  and  the 
road  winds,  we  behold  the  glorious  Falls  in  all  their 
sublimity.  .   . 

But  let  us  advance  up  this  easy-ascending  road, 
for  the  formation  of  which  we  have  to  thank 
Messrs.  Street  and  Clarke,  to  whom,  as  a  com- 
pensation, the  Canadian  Government  granted  the 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


15 


View  from  Tnbl«  Kock. 


sole  right  to  the  ferry  for  twenty -one  years,  from 
the  completion  of  the  road  in  1827. 

Now,  that  we  have  reached  the  upper  world 
again,  let  us  proceed  towards  the  Falls  and  gaze  on 
the  view  from  Table  RocL 


1 


**) 


■f. 


^* 


'i 


lii 


H 


!l 


1 


iii5 


!?! 


l!*'  ■  ^;  I 


?ll  ^^ 


TO    NIAGARA    FAL£S. 


Table  Rock,  li'8«  in  extent  tliiin  i'i)rin«rly. 


VIEW  FROM  TABLE  ROCK. 


lAGARAFALLS  here  stretches 
out  before  us  in  matchless  miohl  and 
grandeur. 

This  Rock,  whicli  derives  its  name 
from  its  flat  surface,  stretching  over  the  cliasm 
like  the  raised  leaf  of  a  table,  is  on  the  same  level 
with  the  Falls,  and  belongs  to  the  great  ledge  over 
which  the  Horseshoe  fallo. 

Cautiously  approach  the  edge,  and  look  down. 
Is  it  not  thrilling  !  Look  not  long,  lest  your  head 
grow  dizzy. 

Table  Rock  was  of  much  greater  extent  than  it 
is  at  present.  Very  large  portions  have  from  time 
to  time  fallen  away.  In  the  year  1818,  a  piece 
nearly  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  long,  and  forty 
feet  wide,  broke  away  at  midnight,  arousing  and 
terrifying  the  inhabitants  for  miles  round,  witli  the 
mighty  crash,  which  they  conceived  to  be  an  earth- 
quake. In  1828,  and  the  following  year,  other 
portions  came  away,  and  from  existing  appearances. 


'I' 


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Hiotographic 

Sciences 

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23  WEST  MAIN  STRUT 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)872-4503 


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78 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Staircase  under  the  rock — T.-.ble  Rock  iVi>in  l«fl  w. 


it  is  evident  that  another  crash  may  soon  be  ex- 
pected. Let  us  now  return  to  the  staircase  that 
leads  under  the  rock. 

Here  we  will  procure  the  apparel  necessary  to 
protect  us  from  the  effects  of  a  wetting,  which  we 
may  surely  expect 

These  spiral  stairs  were  erected  by  a  Mr.  For- 
syth, several  years  ago,  and  afford  a  great  facility 
for  TOwing  one  of  the  most  astounding  sights  that 
can  be  presented  to  the  mind  of  man,  namely : 

TABLE  ROCK  FROM  BELOW 

Here  is  a  temple  of  the  living  God  !  Here  is 
the  sanctuary  of  His  awful  greatness.  Here  the 
incense  of  air  and  water,  rising  in  endless  mist  to 
heaven,  amid  the  humid  thunder  which  roars  and 
roars  eternally. 

Where  may  the  ambitious,  the  proud,  and  the 
arrogant  so  perfectly  judge  of  their  own  excessive 
littleness,  as  in  the  giant  presence  of  this  sacred 
shrine  ? 

Come,  let  us  press  on  our  way  behind  the  sheet. 
The  spray  beats  hard  in  our  faces,  and  with  thick 
mist  almost  prevents  our  progress.  But,  remember 
thousands  have  pursued  this  course  before  us,  and 
why  not  we  ?  .,. 


TO  NIAOABA  FALLS. 


79 


The  Ledge- -The  Rock—The  Cavern. 


be  ex- 
se  that 

sary  to 
hich  we 

Ir.  For- 
facility 
hts  that 
[nely: 


Here  is 
[ere  the 
s  mist  to 
oars  and 

and  the 
excessive 
5  sacred 

le  sheet, 
ith  thick 
member 
I  us,  and 


Here  we  halt.  The  clouds  of  driving  mists  are 
thinner.  Let  us  look  around.  The  spot  on  which 
you  stand,  is  but  a  ledge  some  three  feet  wide. 
The  Rock  is  ninety  feet  above  our  heads,  and  be- 
neath our  feet,  it  is  seventy  feet  down  to  the  boiling 
cauldron  where  the  tumbUng  waters  fall. 

See  that  vast  cavern,  which,  like  some  mysterious 
recess  of  Nature,  stretches  out  in  seeming  safety 
before  us.  We  dare  not  venture  more  than  a  few 
feet  towai'ds  it,  and  that  at  the  extreme  peril  of  our 
lives. 

You  have  now  seen  Termination  Rock.  Let  us 
return  and  change  our  wet  clothes — ^register  your 
name,  take  a  certificate  of  your  visit  to  this  won- 
derful spot,  rest,  view  the  curiosities  of  the 
Museum,  and  return  to  the  ferry. 

Again  we  view  from  the  tossed  boat,  the  awing 
grandeur  of  the  scene,  and,  with  the  details  fresh 
upon  our  mind,  what  can  be  more  thrilling  than  the 
great  frontispiece  before  us  ? 

Now  we  are  landed  once  again  on  the  soil  of  the 
United  States.  We  ascend  the  railway,  and  are 
once  more  in  the  village  of  Niagara  Falls. 


fj 


I 


9 


rw 


■i 


80 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Tho  Public  Garden— The  Road-waj  to  the  River. 


SCENES  IN  THE  VICINITY 
OF  THE  FALLS. 

0  U  have  been  round,  and  we  may 
say,  through  the  Falls,  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable.   Let  us  now  view  the  wonders 
and  beauties  of  its  vicinity. 
As  we  advance  a  few  rods,  we  arrive  at 

THE     PUBLIC     GARDEN.  / 

Here  is  a  beautiful  summer-house  on  the  brow 
of  the  precipice,  from  whence  we  view  the  Falls 
and  the  river  in  a  mao*nificent  lioht     This  sum- 

o  o 

mer-house  occupies  the  site  of  the  hut  erected  by 
Francis  Abbott,  the  Hermit  of  the  Falls,  whose 
history  we  have  before  adverted  to,  and  who  re- 
sided in  it  for  many  years. 

We  now  proceed  some  eighty  rods  further,  and 
come  to 

THE    ROAD-WAY   TO    THE    RIVER. 

This  carriage-way  was  projected  some  36  years 
ago  ;  but,  for  some  reason  or  other  was  discon- 


TO  NIAGARA   FALLS. 


81 


The  Indian  laddeiv-Point  View. 


NITY 


we  may 
ir  as  prac- 
e  wonders 

at 


L  tlie  brow 
the  Falls 
This  sum- 
jrected  by 
dls,  whose 
id  who  re- 

irther,  and 


tinued.  In  1836,  Mr.  Rathbun  recommenced  it ; 
but,  the  imprisonment  of  that  active  man  for  for- 
gery put  a  second  stop  to  it . 

Let  us  go  down  and  take  a  trip  up  to  the  foot 
of  the  Falls  on  this  little  steamer,  appropriately 
named  the  Maid  of  the  Mist,  It  id  an  excursion 
which  amply  repays  the  visitor,  and  is  perfectly 
safe.  ^ 

Here  is  the 

INDIAN    ladder. 

This,  which  you  perceive  to  be  no  more  than  a 
large  cedar  tree,  resting  against  the  rock,  with  the 
limbs  and  a  few  notches  answering  for  rounds,  was 
once  the  only  means  of  descending  to  the  bottom 
of  the  bank — a  dangerous  operation,  truly,  and  one 
which  is  never  ventured  on.  The  last  daring  indi- 
vidual, who  trusted  to  it,  being  a  daring  hunter, 
named  Brooks,  who,  several  years  ago,  went  down 
in  pursuit  of  game,  and  fell  before  he  reached  the 
bottom,  receiving  some  severe  contusions. 

Here  is 


1 


VER. 


e  36  years 
was  discon- 


POINT    VIEW. 


From  this,  we  catch  a  beautiful  distinct  view  of 


- 1 


'    i 


!   I      I 


I 


I       ! 
I       i 


!   '     I 


1    i 


82 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Bellevue— The  Mineral  Spring. 


the  chasm,  river,  and  Falls,  and  here  has  grown  up, 
like  magic,  a  charming  little  hamlet  called 

BELLEVUE. 

Here  we  are,  one  mile  and  a  half  below  the 
Falls — commanding  an  excellent  view  of  that 
charm  of  nature.  You  see  that  this  little  locality 
is  already  well  provided  with  places  of  entertain- 
ment, and  has  a  grist  mill,  the  shaft  of  the  wheel 
of  which  is  200  feet  in  perpendicular  length.  The 
mill  and  its  machinery  hemg  on  the  top  of  the 
bank,  whilst  the  wheel  which  works  it>  is  turned  by 
the  rapid  Niagara  river  that  runs  past,  two  hun- 
dred feet  beneatL  - 

Here  is  the  celebrated 


MINERAL     BPRINOy 


which  wells  up  between  the  rocks,  and  finds  a  rest- 
ing-place in  a  stone  basin.    It  is  strongly  sulphur- 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


83 


SuBpension  Bridge. 


ous,  and  contains  lime  and  magnesia.  This  chaste 
little  temple  was  designed  and  erected  by  Mr. 
Rathbun. 

Turn  we  now  to  the  mighty  attraction  which 
gave  a  location  and  a  name  to  Bellevue.  One 
of  the  wonders  of  this  age  of  wonders.  What 
visitor  could  say,  he  saw  the  Falls,  but  not 

THE    SUSPENSIOlf    BRIDGE? 

This  truly  fairy-like  work  was  commenced  in 
February,  1849,  under  the  suprintendence  of 
Charles  EUet,  Jr.,  Esq.,  of  Philadelphia,  an  En- 
gineer of  good  previous  reputation,  and  who,  in 
this  work,  added  much  to  his  fame. 

The  bridge  was  contracted  to  be  built  for  the 
"  Niagara  Falir^spension  Bridge  Company,"  on 
the  Canada  si^  and  "  The  Niagara  Falls  Inter- 
national Bridge  Company,"  on  the  American  side 
conjointly ;  a  bill  for  the  purpose  being  passed 
by  the  Legislature  of  each  country. 

The  manner  in  which  the  first  line  of  connection 
was  formed,  was  at  once  simple,  yet  ingenious.  A 
kite  was  procured,  to  the  tail  of  which  was  a  string, 
and  by  flying  this  on  the  one  side,  and  letting  it  out 
until  it  was  over  the  other  side,  the  gorge  was 
spanned  by  the  string,  by  which  a  cord  was  drawn 

8 


1  ; 


i 


I 


84 


DEBCRIFTIW   OUIDS 


Awfiil  catastrophe. 


across,  and  by  means  of  this  cord,  a  rope  of  suffi- 
cient strength  to  draw  a  cable,  which  latter,  being 
well  secured  on  both  sides,  was  the  means  of  transit 
for  the  first  wire-cable  of  36  strands.  No.  10 
wire,  which  was  1160  feet  in  length.  Towers  had 
now  been  erected  on  each  bank,  800  feet  apart,  by 
which  this  wire-cable  was  secured,  and  on  the  13th 
of  March,  just  one  month  from  the  commencement, 
Ml*.  Ellet  crossed  in  an  iron  basket,  suspended 
from  the  cable.  This  conveyance  was  used  con- 
stantly by  the  workmen  in  constructing  the  bridge. 
And  even  many  persons  paid  for  the  novelty  of  a 
trip  across  in  this  frail  track. 

A  foot-bridge,  three  feet  in  width,  was  soon  con- 
structed, and  over  this  a  great  number  of  persons 
passed,  each  paying  25  cents  to  the  contractor.  A 
similar  foot-bridge  was  now  formed  parallel  to  this, 
and  the  basket-cable  in  the  middle.  i 

A  terrific  scene  occurred  just  about  this  time. 
Whilst  the  workmen  were  busy  at  the  second  foot- 
bridge, which  was  constructed  about  250  feet  from 
the  American  side,  and  about  150  from  the  British, 
a  tornado  from  the  s.  w.,  struck  it,  turning  it  quite 
over.  Six  men  were  at  work  upon  the  flooring  of 
the  bridge  at  this  awful  moment,  two  of  whom  in 
a  most  unaccountable  manner  made  their  way  to 


TO    NIAGARA   FALLS. 


85 


Workmen  rescued. 


the  shore  upon  fragments  of  boards.  The  unfin- 
ished structure  was  torn  and  wafted  backwards  and 
forwards  like  the  broken  web  of  a  spider,  and  four 
helpless  human  beings,  200  feet  from  the  shore, 
supported  by  two  strands  of  No.  10  wire,  were  in 
constant  expectation  of  a  headlong  fall  and  plunge 
into  the  rapids  below  !  Oh,  who  can  fathom  those 
men's  thoughts  just  then  ?  But  the  tiny  thread 
which  held  them  to  existence,  proved  strong  enough 
to  outlast  the  gale.  On  the  first  cessation  of  the 
tornado's  force,  a  brave  fellow-workman  manne«] 
the  iron  basket,  and  with  a  ladder  proceeded  amid 
the  pelting  of  the  furious  rain  to  save  the  sufferers. 
He  reached  the  wreck ;  he  placed  his  ladder  in 
communication  with  it,  and  the  basket  tlius  afford- 
ing a  means  by  which  all  were  brought  back  safe 
to  terra-firma,  uninjured  in  person,  but  well  nigh 
scared  to  death. 

On  the  26th  of  July  following,  Mr.  Ellet  drove 
a  span  of  horses  and  a  heavy  carriage  over  and 
back,  accompanied  by  his  lady. 

A  disagreement,  which  had  for  some  time  ex- 
isted between  the  directors  and  Mr.  Ellet,  now 
came  to  an  open  rupture,  and  the  work  was  dis- 
continued for  some  time. 

The  bridge,  which  we  see,  is  not  the  structure 


r 


I 


i 


86 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Height  of  the  Bridge. 


originally  intended.  This  being  merely  prepara- 
tory to  the  great  structure,  which  was  to  have  been 
suspended  from  stone  towers,  70  feet  high,  and 
which  would  have  been  10  feet  higher  than  the 
present  bridge,  and  wholly  independent  of  it 

The  present  bridge  was  at  first  economically 
formed  of  very  slight  materials,  it  not  being  ex- 
pected to  last  longer  than,  until  the  great  bridge 
was  constructed,  about  a  year  and  a  half.  It  has, 
however,  been  strengthened  materially,  and  is  now 
capable  of  sustaining  250  tons,  and  is  in  use  as  a 
thoroughfare,  unshaken  by  the  greatest  pressure. 

The  floor  of  the  bridge  is  230  feet  above  the 
river,  and  the  depth  of  the  river  immediately  im- 
der  the  bridge  is  250  feet 

'  'the     WHIRLPOOL,         ' 

From  the  Suspension  Bridge  to  the  commence- 
ment of  the  Whirlpool  Rapids,  is  about  a  hundred 
rods ;  and  the  Whirlpool  itself  is  about  three  miles 
from  the  Falls,  and  one  hundred  rods  from  the 
main  road.  A  tavern  occupies  the  intervening- 
space,  the  garden  of  which  is  neatly  laid  out,  and 
steps  are  to  be  found  here,  wliich  lead  to  the  river. 
A  small  fee  is  required  of  the  stranger  for  admis- 
sion. 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


87 


The   Whirlfmol, 


On  the  American  Cliff  is  a  charmincj  summer- 
house,  designed  by  Mr.  Rathbun. 

Look  down  into  the  circular  basin,  bounded  by 
giant  cliffs,  and  see  the  boiling  turmoil  of  waters 
surging  and  tossing  in  this  greenwood  embowered 
caldron.  No  living  thing  can  struggle  with  this 
angry  whirlpool.  Destruction  surely  awaits  all  that 
falls  within  its  reach. 

Let  us  go  down  these  rude  steps  and  have  a 
closer  view  of  it ;  for  the  little  clicks,  which  we  see 
whirled  around,  believe  me,  are  in  truth,  large 
timbers. 

Now,  that  we  are  at  the  base  of  the  cliff,  and 
on  these  level  rocks,  let  us  note  the  mad  excite- 
ment of  those  raging  waters. 

Come  round  now  to  the  right  and  behold  the 
outlet  of  the  whirlpool. 

Those  giant  cliffs  which  rise  three  hundred  feet 
and  are  not  thirty  rods  apart,  wall  in  the  recreating 
waters  and  confine  their  wild  impetuous  rush,  so  that 
their  force  raises  them  in  the  middle,  as  they 
plunge  some  dozen  feet  into  the  air,  in  the  very 
recklessness  of  fury. 

There  is  a  better  view  of  the  whirlpool  from  the 
Canada  cliff.     The  rapids,  as  they  enter,  are  almost 

8* 


I 


I 


t 


I 


I  !' 


I 


i 


88 


DESCRIPTIVfi    GUIDE. 


Oiiint  CIHf. 


,  in  front  of  you,  and  below  you  is  the  outlet  of 
]  the  whirlpool  on  the  Canada  side. 

Unlike  the  Falls,  there  is  nothing  to  woo  or  win 
the  senses  about  the  whirlpool.     It  rather  awes 
,nd  shocks  the  mind  with  its  savage  fury.    , 
We  will  now  wander  on  to  view  ! . 


ai 


*■     .1   ' 


devil's  hole  from  below  "^ 


This  is  a  deep,  dark  cave,  or  chasm,  in  the  rocky 
bank — a  gloomy  spot ;  the  sad  history  connected 


TO    NIAOAUA    FALLS. 


89 


outlet  of 

00  or  win 
her  awes 


V       , 


the  rocky 
connected 


Rapiainnil  ootletof  Wliii!|)u  •!— Mumiiirre  of  UltxKly  Kno. 

with  which  gives  it  a  dismal  interest  in  the  mind 
of  the  visitor.  A  perpendicular  massy  cliff  rises 
above  this  demon-titled  cavity,  and  a  narrow  stream 
pours  down  the  cliff  to  the  dark  rocks  below  and 
hurries  onward  to  the  rapid  river. 

This  gloomy  rock-bound,  forest-hidden  cavern 
has  never  felt  the  influence  of  one  solitary  ray  of 
light ;  and  from  its  dark  thiilling  depth,  it  probably 
derives  its  most  appropriate  name.  There  is  another 
claim  Avhich  it  possesses,  and  which  likewise  gave 
name  to  that  little  stream,  which  may  be  found  in 
the  thrillino:  narative  of 

THE    MASSACRE    OP   BLOODY  RUN. 

In  the  year  1759,  when  the  British  had  just 
made  good  their  stand,  by  the  possession  of  Forts 
Niaoara  and  Schlosser — the  French  still  hovering: 
round  them,  having  in  pay  the  Seneca  Indians, 
who  were  then  a  very  powerful  tribe — a  large  sup- 
ply of  provisions  was  forwarded  from  Fort  Niagara 
to  Fort  Schlosser,  guarded  by  a  body  of  one  hun- 
dred regulars.  The  Chief  of  the  Senecas,  anxious 
to  show  his  ardor  in  the  cause  of  his  pay-masters, 
formed  an  ambuscade  of  liis  best  warriors,  several 
hundred  strong.  This  was  the  spot  chosen  ;  it  being 
at  that  day  so  thickly  overgrown  with  bushes,  that 


90 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


'  :l 


Indiiui  ambuscade. 


I    I 


it  afforded  an  admirable  place  for  the  execution  of 
the  horrid  project.  The  wily  Indian  formed  his 
line  along  the  hill  and  around  the  plain  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  completely  surround  his  victims,  when 
they  should  have  passed  a  certain  line. 

The  day  was  sultry,  and  the  doomed  convoy  not 
expecting  any  danger  near,  scattered,  and  loitered, 
and  dragged  on  their  weary  way,  until  they  came 
to  the  Devil's  Hole,  when,  in  gratification  of  their 
wondering  curiosity,  they  sat  or  lay  down  around 
the  margin  of  the  fearful  precipice.  Their  fancied 
security  was  now  broken  in  upon  by  a  tremendous 
volley  of  fire-arms,  accompanied  by  the  yells  of 
their  savage  enemies,  who  now  rushed  from  their 
cover,  and  giving  their  unhappy  victims  no  time  for 
consideration,  tomahawked  and  knifed  them  on  the 
spot.  The  whole  convoy  of  wagons,  horses, 
soldiers  and  drivers  were  hurled  over  the  preci- 
pice, and  dashed  to  pieces  on  the  rocks  below! 
whilst  tlie  httle  stream  swelled  to  a  torrent,  purple 
red  with  human  gore. 

Of  all  that  gallant,  heedless  convoy,  but  two 
escaped  to  tell  the  story  of  its  fate  ;  the  one  a 
Mr.  Stedman,  and  the  other  a  private  soldier,  who 
was  forced  over  the  precipice,  but  had  the  good 
fortune  in  falling,  to  be  caught  on  the  limb  of  a 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


91 


Escape  of  Mr.  Stedman. 


tree  by  the  belt.  Mr.  Stedman  dashed  his  horse 
through  the  Indian  hnes,  and  escaped,  amid  a  storm 
of  bullets,  to  Fort  Schlosser,  with  his  clothes  com- 
pletely riddled.  The  soldier  arrived  in  safety,  un- 
der cover  of  the  night,  at  Fort  Niagara. 

Some  years  ago,  bones,  broken  wheels,  and  other 
mementos  of  this  cruel  assault  were  found  down 
in  the  chasm  and  on  the  rocks,  but  they  have  long 
since  been  lost  in  the  gulf. 


OUTLET   OF  THE  WHIRLPOOL,  ON  THE   CANADA  SIDE. 


f 

'A'!' 


Mi 


^1 


3lli 


92 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Acoidetrts  at  tho  Falls. 


ACCIDENTS  WHICH   HAVE    OCCURRED 

AT  THE   FALLS. 

N  Saturday,  the  13th  of  July,  1850,  as 
a  boy,  ten  years  old,  was  rowing  his 
father  over  to  their  home  on  Grand 
Island,  the  father  being  so  very  drunk 
as  not  to  be  able  to  assist  any  more  than  to  steer 
the  canoe,  the  wind,  which  was  very  strong  off 
shore,  so  frustrated  the  efforts  of  his  tiny  arm, 
that  the  canoe  in  spite  of  him,  got  into  the  current 
and  finally  into  the  rapids,  within  a  very  few  rods 
of  the  Falls  !  On  went  the  frail  shell,  careering 
and  plunging  as  the  mad  waters  chose.  StDl  the 
gallant  little  oarsman  maintained  his  struggle 
with  the  raging  billows,  and  actually  got  the  canoe 
by  his  persevering  manoevring  so  close  to  Iris  Is- 
land, as  to  have  her  driven  by  a  providential  wave 
in  between  the  little  islands,  called  the  Sisters. 
Here  the  father  and  his  dauntless  boy  were  in  still 
greater  danger  for  an  instant ;  for,  there  is  a  fall 


TO  NIAGAKA   FALLS. 


03 


Accidents  al  the  Falls. 


between  the  two  islands,  over  which  had  they  gone, 
no  earthly  power  could  have  withheld  their  final 
passage  to  the  terrific  precipice,  which  forms  ihe 
Horse-shoe  Fall !  But  the  sudden  dash  of  a  wave 
capsized  the  canoe,  and  left  the  two  struggling  in 
the  water.  Being  near  a  rock,  and  shallow,  ihe  boy 
lost  no  time,  but  seizing  his  -father  by  the  coat  col- 
lar, he  dragged  him  up  to  a  place  of  safety,  where 
the  crowd  of  anxious  citizens  awaited  to  lend  assist- 
ance. The  poor  boy  on  reaching  the  shore  in 
safety,  instantly  fainted,  while  his  miserable  father 
was  suflficiently  sobered  by  the  fenh  he  had 
passed  through ;  and,  if  he  have  the  mind  of  a  man 
he  can  never  recur  to  that  awful  voyage,  without 
a  shudder  of  horror  at  his  own  beastly  appetite, 
which  reduced  him  to  such  a  condition  as  to  en- 
danger not  alone  his  own  life,  but  that  of  his  gal- 
lant and  dutiful  child. 

The  canoe  was  dashed  to  pieces  on  the  rocks 
ere  it  reached  its  final  leap. 

Had  it  been  at  the  other  side  of  Ins  Island,  that 
the  canoe  was  driven  amongst  the  rapids,  it  would 
not  have  been  possible  to  entertain  the  most  dis- 
tant hope  of  their  escape.  There  never  was  known 
an  instance  of  a  boat  on  that  side  Uving  in  the 
rapids. 


H'llV-  'If.f 


ma 


I  H 


:i 


- 


Hi 


94 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


AccidentB  at  the  Falls. 


A  German,  from  Buflfalo,  some  two  years  since, 
a  shoe-maker  by  trade,  either  through  accident  or 
design,  it  is  not  known  which,  was  sailing  down  the 
rapids  in  a  small  boat.  There  were  several  spec- 
tators of  his  terrific  situation,  standing  on  the  bridge 
leading  to  Bath  Islaiid,  at  the  time  of  his  approach, 
as  the  dancing  boat  careered  over  the  rolling  rapids 
and  bore  him  close  to  the  bridge,  he  called  out> 
"  Shall  I  jump  out,  or  remain  ?"  They  were  too 
horrified  to  answer  him,  and  in  another  instant  the 
boat  had  passed  beneath  the  bridge,  and  was  bump- 
ing among  the»  rocks,  and  plunging  on  the  backs  of 
the  rapids.  At  last,  the  boat  was  capsized  and  the 
doomed  man  was  borne  to  the  terrible  brink,  where 
his  body  was  raised  into  an  upright  position  and 
carried  down  into  eternity  ! 

On  another  occasion,  a  poor  woman  was  washing 
clothes  in  the  mill-stream,  with  her  little  child, 
playing  in  a  tub,  near  her.  Before  she  was  aware 
of  the  terrible  fact,  the  tub  with  the  child,  had 
floated  into  the  river,  and  thence,  ere  mortal  aid 
could  come,  into  the  rapids,  which  soon  bore  the 
poor  parent's  doomed  offspring  over  the  relentless 
cataract,  drowning  her  screams  with  its  ceaseless 
thunders  ! 


years  since, 
accident  or 
lling  down  the 
several  spec- 
on  the  bridge 
his  approach, 
1  rolling  rapids 
le  called  out> 
They  were  too 
ler  instant  the 
md  was  bump- 
•n  the  backs  of 
ipsized  and  the 
le  brink,  where 
it  position  and 

m  was  washing 
er  little  child, 
she  was  aware 
the  child,  had 
ere  mortal  aid 
soon  bore  the 
r  the  relentless 
\h  its  ceaseless 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


95 


AccidenU  at  tb«  Falls. 


CHARLES    ADDINGTON   AND   NETTIE   DE  FOREST. 

Lunar  Island  never  saw  a  more  delightful  eve- 
ning than  that  of  June  21st,  1849,  enlivened  as  it 
was,  by  young  and  happy  hearts,  full,  even  to  burst- 
ing, with  their  own  joyousness.  The  gay  party  in 
question  consisted  of  Mrs.  De  Forest,  of  Buffalo, 
Mrs.  Miller,  and  Mr.  Bowen,  who  getting  tired,  took 
advantage  of  some  seats  on  Iris  Island,  whilst  the 
young  people  to  the  number  of  nine,  repaired  to 
Lunar  Island  ;  where  having  enjoyed  themselves, 
and  being  about  to  return  to  Iris  Island,  Charles 
Addington  playfully  caught  Nettie  De  Forest  and 
pretended  to  throw  her  into  the  stream.  The 
buoyant  child  jumped  from  him,  and  in  an  instant 
was  in  the  wild  current!  Poor  Charles  Adding- 
ton, without  a  pause,  sprung  after  her,  and  both 
were  carried  over  the  dreadful  precipice,  locked  in 
each  other's  arms,  with  their  agonized  countenances 
turned  to  the  last  on  the  horrified  group  of  com- 
panions, who  saw,  but  could  not  save  them! 

Miss  De  Forest's  mangled  remains  were  found 
the  next  day,  at  2  o'clock,  p.  m.,  in  the  Cave  of  the 
Winds,  and  in  a  few  days  after  the  body  of  the 
gallant  and  generous  young  Addington  was  like- 
wise recovered  and  interred  in  the  viUaga 


'  ii 


Bll  '  ■ 


'    ■  ill"     ' 


Bii    i 


III 


■"1;|. 

:  in  I 


1    I 

I        I 

i    i 


ii    ^ii!: 


96 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Acci'lenU  at  the  Falli. 


We  will  make  no  apology  for  introducing  here 
the  following  beautiful  lines,  written  on  this  sad 
event,  by  a  young  lady  of  taste  and  feeling. 


ON  THE  LATE  DISASTER  AT  THE  FALLS. 


A  mild  and  lovely  day  had  past, 

Too  bright,  like  earthly  hopes,  to  last, 

And  Luna  rose,  with  placid  smile, 

To  greet  her  small  but  favorite  isle ; 

In  rivalry  of  Sol,  to  throw 

A  richer  veil  of  light  below, 

And  challenge  isle,  and  shore,  and  stream, 

To  praise  her  milder,  lovelier  beam. 

On  that  fair  isle  were  gathcr'd  then,         ■ 
Reluctant  still  to  leave  the  scene, 
A  pleasant  group.    Joy,  love,  and  grace 
Beam'd  all  around,  from  every  face.     '      * 
Sweet  Antoinette,  that  favor'd  child, 
Gambol'd  so  innocent  and  wild ; 
Wreath'd  every  lip  with  smiles,  to  see 
Her  joyous  spirit  bounding  free. 
Had  angels  taught  it,  hovering  round 
With  heav'nly  grace,  to  spurn  the  ground ; 
That  soon  immortal  it  should  soar 
V^hure  earth  could  fetter  it  no  more  1 

A  manly  youth  and  maiden  fair. 
Parents  and  friends,  were  standing  there, 
And  all  with  flashing  wit  and  song 
The  pleasing  hours  would  fain  prolong. 
Enchantment  clothed  the  earth  and  sky 
Ah  !  who  could  drtam  of  danger  nigh ! 

Ansels  of  light  were  passing  near-— 
They  '  wall:  unseen  "  the  earth  and  air, 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


97 


Acciiltnts  Ht  the  Fulls. 


And  kiujw  those  pavGius  soon  must  part 

From  joys  enuviued  around  tlie  heart ; 

Contiding  love  receive  tlie  blow 

That  lays  a  worship'd  idol  low. 

Surely  a  pitying'  angel's  tear 

Chill'd  that  fond  liiihor's  heart  with  fear, 

'»  Come  here,  my  child  !  come  here  !"  ho  cried, 

"Beware  the  rushing  river's  tide." 

"  Never  you  niiad— let  her  alone  ; 

I'll  watch,"  said  noble  Addington. 


She  pull'd  his  coat  in  playful  gle6— 

"  Aha  !  you  rogue  !  you  're  caught,"  said  he," 

"  Now  shall  I  throw  you  in  1"  She  laughs  ; 

Her  trembling  (brm  he  touch'd  ; 

She  pprang— she  (alls ;  "  O  mercy  !  save  I' 

"  She's  gone  !     O  God  !"  one  look  he  gave, 

One  word  of  horror,  that  shall  dwell 

For  ever  fresh  in  memory's  cell ; 

Then  .sprang  to  clasp  that  precious  trust. 

Gigantic  efforts  fail.     "  We  must 

Be  lost !     Great  God  !  no  human  aid 

Avails  us  now !    Save  us,"  he  pray'd, 

"  For  Jesus'  sake,  O  save  our  souls  I" 

The  dashing  torrent  onward  rolls. 

Unheeding  that  shrill,  bitter  cry 

Of  living,  human  agony. 

Bursting  afresh  when  straining  eye 

Fail'd  soon  the  loved  ones  to  decry 

Upon  the  raging  waters  tost, 

•'  Heart-rending  cry,  "  They  're  lost !  they  're  lost  I" 


* 


For  "Jesus'  sake,"— that  matchless  word- 
It  Foaieil  to  heaven.    The  Father  heard : 
"  Fly,  Gabriel,  with  thy  chosen  band. 
Take  crowns  of  gold,  and  harps  in  hand  ;  * ' 
Array'd  in  robes  of  spotless  white. 
Conduct  them  to  these  realms  of  light." 


:  I, 

I?- 


D 


98 


DESCRIPriVE    GUIDE 


Accidents  at  the  Falli. 


Uprising  from  the  rapid's  f»iam, 
Redeem'd  those  blessed  spirits  come ; 
O  !  what  a  radiant  hi^^lit  in  view  ; 
With  eager  haste  the  angels  flew, 
Striking  their  golden  harps  anew. 
"  Come,  sister  spirits,  come  away, 
Come  home  to  heaven,"  their  joyfu!  lay. 

O,  mourning  souls !  couli!  ye  but  hear 
Those  strains  salute  the  ravish'd  ear; 
Tears  (or  the  living  would  be  sited ; 
Smiles  are  the  tribute  for  the  dead, 
Not  "  wreathing  lips  "  soon  to  depart 
Playnig  forever  round  the  heart./ 
Grief,  pain  and  death  disturb  no  more, 
Not  '*  lost  those  dear  one's  gone  before." 


I 


! 


Let,  Still,  Niagara  lovely  seem, 

Its  island,  mist,  and  rapid  stream, 

Its  fleeting  bows  of  splendors  bright, 

Fall  plsasantly  upon  the  sight. 

Remember  that  two  cherish'd  flowers, 

Transplanted  to  celestial  bowers. 

The  river  from  that  island  bore. 

To  bloom  unfading  evermore. 

Prayer,  grateful,  like  that  mist,  should  rise 

From  depths  of  sorrow  to  the  skies ; 

Then  shall  the  "Sun  of  righteousness" 

Shine  through  its  prism  of  grief,  and  bless 

With  bows  of  promise,  bright  and  warm. 

Fadeless  in  sunshine  and  in  storm. 

And  when  ye  hear  the  ceaseless  sound 

That  thundering  shakes  the  solid  ground,  * 

The  cataract  in  its  dark  career, 

O,  not  in  sorrow  close  the  ear ! 

Let  Faith  behold  that  seraph  throng,  ^ 

Whose  ceaseless  and  eternal  song, 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


90 


Accidents  At  the  Falls. 


Like  "  sound  of  many  waters  "  seem, 
And  love  and  bliss  are  all  the  theme, 
Praising  the  Wise  and  Good  Supreme. 
Pleasant  Valley,  1&19.  Mart. 

Thus  perished  in  the  flower  of  their  youth,  two 
promising  hopes  of  heart-wrung  parents.  Poor 
Mrs.  De  Forest  did  not  long  survive  the  dreadful 
fate  of  her  "  Nettie,"  and  the  anguishing  scene  of 
that  awful  evening  has  made  an  impression  on  the 
horrified  young  spectators  which  time  can  never 
erase. 

MISS     MARTHA     K.   RUGG. 

This  young  lady  had  visited  the  Falls,  when  on 
her  way  to  Detroit  to  visit  a  sister,  in  August, 
1844. 

On  the  memorable  morning  of  the  24th,  whilst 
approaching  Table  Rock,  she  stepped  upon  the 
bank,  about  fifty  rods  below  the  Museum,  letting 
go  the  arm  of  the  gentleman  who  accompanied 
her,  in  order  to  pluck  some  evergreens — when  the 
earth,  giving  way  with  her  weight,  she  was  percipi- 
tated  down  a  perpendicular  height  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  feet,  falling  on  a  bed  of  sharp  rocks  ! 
The  poor  girl  gave  one  piercing  shriek  ;  her  com- 
panion grasped  her  shawl,  which  gave  way,  and 
she  descended  !    Doctor  G.  A.  Sturgis,  of  New 

*9 


100 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


AceidenU  At  th«  FaIIs. 


■I    i 


111  ■    : 


York,  happening  to  be  at  the  Falls,  and  just  then 
in  the  Museum,  near  at  hand,  hurried  down  the 
stairs  at  Table  Rock,  accompanied  by  several,  and 
after  much  labor  and  faticrue  reached  the  fatal 
spot,  where  they  found  Miss  Ruoa  on  the  pomted 
rocks  still  alive.  On  being  bled,  she  revived,  and 
said,  faintly,  to  those  around  her,  "  Pick  me  up." 
This  was  done,  and  she  was  conveyed  in  a  boat  to 
the  ferry-landing,  and  from  thence  to  the  Clifton 
House,  where  she  expired  in  three  hours  from  the 
time  of  this  melancholy  accident 

DEATH     OF     D.    HUNGERFOBD. 

ft 

Nor  are  the  chances  of  accident  confined  to  the 
descent  There  is  danger  in  many  places  wher^ 
strangers  go— and,  although  those  accidents  hap- 
pen seldom,  yet,  when  they  do  occur,  there  is  a 
painful  memory  of  the  solitaiy  case,  for  years  after 
its  occurrence.  Such,  for  instance,  was  that  of  D, 
HuNGERFORD,  of  Troy,  in  this  State. 

About  10  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  of 
May,  1839,  the  doctor  in  company  with  Mr.  Niles, 
of  Columbus,  (0.),  and  Mr.  Lindsey,  the  guide, 
were  viewing  the  river  and  the  Falls,  from  below 
Iris  Island  ;  and,  being  satisfied,  were  about  to  de- 
part»  when  a  cloud  of  falling  dust,  told  too  plainly 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


101 


Acoidenti  »t  th«  FulU. 


just  then 
down  the 
eraly  and 

the  fata] 
le  pointed 
rived,  and 
£  me  up." 

a  boat  tG 
he  Clifton 
3  from  the 


AD. 

ned  to  the 
ices  wher^ 
lents  hap- 
there  is  a 
years  after 
that  of  D: 

lie  27  th  of 
Mr.  Niles, 
the  guide, 
rom  below 
bout  to  de- 
too  plamly 


that  some  of  the  impending  mass  above  was  falling, 
Mr.  Niles  and  the  guide,  in  hurrying  from  the  spot, 
became  informed  of  the  melancholy  fact,*  that  D. 
HuNGKRFORf)  had  been  severely  hurt  by  some  of 
the  fallen  mass.  They  carried  him  away,  but  he 
did  not  long  survive — having  been  struck  on  the 
head  and  neck. 

THE    WHITE    CANOES. 

AN     INDIAN    LEGEND. 

In  years  gone  by,  when  the  forest  wild  closed 
in  the  sublime  temple  of  nature,  which  is  now  un- 
veiled to  the  inquisitive  white  man  in  the  sheeted 
cataract  of  Niagara^ — when,  none,  save  the  Indian 
worshipers,  ventured  to  gaze  upon  the  place  where 
their  simple,  yet  beautifully  imaginative  faith  taught 
them  to  feel  the  presence  of  the  Great  Being, 
whose  solemn  voice  made  the  forest  ring,  and  the 
ground  tremble, — ^it  was  customary  to  oflfer  a  liv- 
ing sacrifice,  once  a  year,  to  be  conveyed  by  the 
foaming  messengers  of  the  water-spirit,  to  the  un- 
known gulf,  which,  through  the  light  of  imagina- 
tion alone  they  knew  aught  about 

In  the  bright  autumnal  month  of  August,  when 
all  earth's  flowers  were  at  their  richest,  and  the 


J 


'f^ 


<  I; 


If     il 


iM, 


hi 


102 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


AcridenU  at  the  FaIU. 


fruits  had  atUiined  their  mellowest  tint  auvi  Cft€te, 
ere  Time  could  brin":  his  sickle  round  them,  the 
watchful  sachem  gave  the  word,  and  the  fuU  fiuits 
and  flowers  were  stowed  in  a  white  canoe,  to  be 
paddled  by  the  fairest  maiden  that  had  just  then 
arrived  at  woman -hood. 

Honored  was  that  tribe,  whose  turn  it  was  to  float 
their  blooming  offering  to  the  shrine  of  the  Great 
Spirit  ;  and  still  more  honored  was  the  maid  who 
was  a  fitting  sacrifice. 

Lena  was  the  only  cliild  and  darling  of  Oronta, 
the  proudest  Chief  of  the  Senecas.  Fidl  many  a 
bloody  fight  had  seen  his  single  feather  pass  in 
triumph,  like  the  pestilential  blast,  scathing  whore 
he  came,  and  leaving,  when  he  left  the  red  track 
of  his  hatchet  and  tomahawk. 

Spring  followed  Spring,  Summer  breathed  on 
Summer,  and  Autumn  ripened  into  Autumn,  as 
Time  crowned  each  year  with  glories  which  he  but 
prepared  for  withering  Winter's  cold  embrace. 
And  every  annual  round  had  sent  an  ofiering  to 
the  thunder-god  of  the  secluded  Niagara. 

Oronta  danced  in  pride  and  triumph  at  many  a 
holy  feast,  which  followed  the  sacrifical  gift,  which 
his  rejoicing  tribe  had  in  their  turn  given.  But 
Oronta  felt  not  for  the  fathers,  whose  precious 


TO    NIAGARA    FALLS. 


103 


AecldeuU  at  th«  Fall*. 


jewels  were  thus  taken  from  their  wigwam,  and 
committed  to  the  grave  of  roaring  waters.  Oron- 
TA  thought  not  that  they  had  earthly  feelings, 
which  the  ardor  of  religion  could  not  always  quite 
subdue.  Oronta  had  lost  his  fair  wife,  Calma; 
but  it  wjis  by  a  foeman's  arrow,  and  terribly  had 
he  avenged  his  bereavement. 

Since  that  event,  his  motherless  child  had  felt 
the  glow  of  fifteen  summers — till,  like  a  rose  she 
opened  all  her  beauties  to  the  maturing  breath  of 
Nature. 

The  day  of  sacrifice  came.  It  belongs  to  the 
Senecas,  and  Lena  is  the  only  offering  fitting  the 
occasion. 

Can  the  proud  Oronta  show  his  weakness  V 
Can  he  let  the  father's  bursting  bosom  be  seen  to 
tremble  ?  Can  he  give  ear  to  Nature,  lest  she 
blend  his  love  and  pity  in  a  tear,  that  may  fal: 
down  a  blot  upon  his  name  ? 

The  moon-Ut  hour  is  come  ;  the  rejoicing  dance 
goes  on  ;  Oronta  has  parted  his  Lena,  to  meet 
where  the  Great  Spirit  reigns.  His  wigwam  on 
the  higli  bank  is  lonely  now. 


'k 


* 


The  yell  of  fanatic  triumph  goes  up  from  a 
thousand  Senecas.     The  white  canoe  has  shot  from 


14 


^.:!ii 


104 


DESCRIPTIVE    GUIDE 


Accidents  at  the  Fulls. 


yonder  bank,  and  the  sachems,  as  they  gaze  upon 
it,  shout  to  heaven  their  joyous  benediction. 

But,  ere  the  dancing  craft  has  yet  approached  its 
doomed  descent,  behold  another  white  canoe  has 
shot  out  on  the  mad  rapids,  and  both  are  bound 
for  eternity  ! 

The  first  bears  the  full  blown  offering  of  fruits 
and  flowers,  with  Lena  for  their  fairest  She  goes 
as  an  offering  of  the  highest  value  ;  and  she  is  fol- 
lowed by  Oronta,  who  brings  his  full  grown  glories 
of  battle  and  of  chase,  a  willing  offering  for  a  re- 
union with  his  wife  and  child. 

By  a  strange  chance,  Lena's  little  vessel  pauses 
by  a  rock,  just  on  the  verge  of  the  descent — per- 
mitting Oronta's  to  come  near — when,  both  to- 
gether rise  upon  the  plunging  rapids,  one  look — 
one  mutual  look  of  love,  of  hope,  of  happiness, 
is  exchanged — and  the  forest  rings  again  with  the 
yell  of  the  Senecas,  as  the  father  and  the  child 
drop  down  the  cataract  together  in  their  White 
Canoes! 


TO   NIAGARA   FALLS. 


105 


Conclusion— Stay  and  stray. 


CONCLUSION. 

0  W,  reader,  we  have  visited  the  prin- 
cipal points  of  attraction  m  this  vicinity 
of  wonders ;  it  is  for  you  to  decide, 
whether  you  will  remain,  study,  and 
contemplate  what  we  have  gone  over. 

It  is  not  by  a  hasty  visit,  you  can  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  unequalled  scenes  of  the  world- 
renowned  Niagara  No,  you  must  stay  and  stray ; 
you  must  look  out  for  new  lights  of  beauty  in  which 
to  view  them,  and  you  will  be  sure  to  find  such, 
however  often  you  seek  ! 

The  time  is  a  grand  point  in  viewing  these  scenes 
to  perfection.  It  is  not  in  the  glare  of  the  noon- 
day, when  all  around  is  rich  and  gay  with  the  re- 
flection of  the  radiant  sunbeam  :  It  is  not  in  the 
company  of  laughter-loving,  thoughtless  youth  ;  It 
is,  rather,  by  yourself  alone,  at  sunrise,  when  the 
mists  are  rising  in  their  majesty,  like  incense  up  to 
heaven ;  encircled  by  the  peerless  rainbow,  which 


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born  influence  of  a  mooa-lit  night  jim^<d^v?iSpit 
mind  would  not  soften  its  thought$l  to  tears^f^^ 
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